Ari Aster’s ‘Eddington’ is a thought-provoking film that invites viewers to explore the complexities of modern society. With its rich narrative and character depth, the film challenges our perceptions and highlights the impact of media and social dynamics.
The Meaning of ‘Eddington’
I love when a director breaks down their thought process and the decisions made during filmmaking. Ari Aster is one of the most open and honest filmmakers of our time.
Surprisingly, Eddington is inspired by real-life events. The story began to take shape during the tumultuous period of May-June 2020. Aster was in New Mexico, scrolling through Twitter, and felt a palpable sense of impending doom.
This feeling of a world on the brink is what he aimed to capture—a snapshot of a society grappling with significant uncertainty and division.
Characters in a Divided World
At the center of Eddington is Joaquin Phoenix’s character, Joe Cross, whom Aster describes as a “vivid real person” with deeply held beliefs. Cross represents what Aster sees as a “libertarian shift in American politics,” where the language of 1960s liberal activism has been co-opted and distorted by the right.
All characters in this film are the protagonists of their own stories, each with their unique perspectives on what is wrong with the world and how to address it. A central theme of the film is the fragmentation of reality.
Aster points to social media as a powerful tool that has been harnessed to distract from larger power operations, further isolating individuals within their ideological bubbles.
The Weight of the Past and the Influence of Media
The past looms large in Eddington, symbolized by the unseen but significant character of Louise’s father, a former sheriff and mentor to Joe Cross. This character, along with the film’s Western mythology, symbolizes a bygone era, shedding light on the current state of American culture.
In this town, things used to be “great,” and Cross bears the weight of trying to find a way back. The pressure mounts with a mayoral election and the media’s role in shaping perceptions.
Aster notes that these characters are media literate to a degree, with their self-perception and actions influenced by the Westerns and action films of the 80s and 90s. This self-awareness, filtered through popular culture, adds complexity to their motivations.
The Collaborative Spirit
Aster also shared insights into his collaborative process, particularly with Joaquin Phoenix. He emphasized the importance of keeping questions alive to avoid a “dead” or “acted” performance, showcasing his commitment to authenticity.
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Cinematic Influences
We previously discussed films that influenced Eddington, and it was enlightening to see how many Westerns were integral to Aster’s development process. To immerse his crew in the film’s spirit, Aster screened The Last Picture Show and Nashville, praising the former for its specific, humorous, and non-condescending portrayal of small-town characters.
The Internet Rules
The most significant influence on Eddington was the internet, particularly Twitter. We’ve all fallen into the dangerous rabbit holes of fake news, memes, and outrage. This film personifies these elements through various characters.
Aster aimed to foreground screens in the film, highlighting their insidious and transformative effects on individuals and society.
What’s the Meaning of the Movie?
Ultimately, this film explores a nation at a crossroads, making it essential viewing for anyone wanting to understand the complexities of our modern world.
It illustrates how each person is sculpted by their perceptions and social media presence, influencing their decisions about love, hate, intimacy, and voting.
At the end of the day, the real masters in this narrative are the corporations that manipulate this world while operating above the law to extract resources, as long as they keep us satisfied online.
This is one of my favorite films of the year, and I hope you check it out. Share your thoughts in the comments.
