Key Highlights
- Ari Aster’s new film “Eddington” is a political drama set in the fictional town of Eddington, New Mexico during May 2020.
- The film follows a right-wing sheriff’s crusade against a self-serving liberal mayor and the town’s descent into chaos.
- Writer-director Aster uses the film to critique social media’s role in exacerbating political divisions during a tumultuous period of history.
- Critics argue that “Eddington” fails to offer a substantive examination of the crises it portrays, instead focusing on superficial conflicts and misanthropic themes.
Setting the Stage: The Turbulent Year 2020
The year 2020 was marked by unprecedented social, economic, and political upheaval. From the onset of the COVID-19 pandemic to the global protests following the murder of George Floyd, the landscape was fraught with complexity and contradiction. Writer-director Ari Aster’s new film “Eddington” aims to capture this volatile atmosphere through the lens of a small-town drama set in May 2020.
The Film: Eddington
“Eddington,” directed by Ari Aster, is a political drama that centers on the conflict between Sheriff Joe Cross (played by Joaquin Phoenix) and Mayor Ted Garcia (Pedro Pascal). The film presents a fictionalized version of Eddington, New Mexico, where Cross wages an anti-mask campaign against Garcia’s “tech positive” initiatives. This narrative backdrop reflects the broader societal divisions that defined 2020.
Characters and Plot
The sheriff, Joe Cross, is an outspoken opponent of face masks and social distancing measures, reflecting his conservative ideology. His conflict with Mayor Garcia, a self-serving liberal who lectures others about compliance while flouting the rules himself, sets the stage for a series of confrontations that mirror real-world tensions.
Protagonist’s Journey
Joe Cross’s personal life is also in turmoil as he struggles to connect with his wife Louise (Emma Stone), who suffers from chronic mental and physical ailments. The film delves into the couple’s relationship, highlighting the stressors that come with living through a politically charged environment.
Critique of “Eddington”
While “Eddington” aims to dramatize the complex political climate of 2020, critics argue that it falls short in its execution. The film is described as chiefly characterized by confusion, cynicism, and a misanthropic attitude toward society at large. Critics point out that Aster’s approach lacks depth, failing to probe the roots of the crises depicted.
Accuracy and Representation
Aster maintains that “Eddington” was inspired by his own experiences scrolling social media during 2020. However, the film is criticized for misrepresenting key events. For instance, it portrays public health measures as primarily advocated by pompous middle-class liberals, which is not accurate according to historical data. Similarly, the George Floyd protests are depicted as dominated by performative activism and racialism, a view that downplays their democratic character.
Conclusion
“Eddington” offers a glimpse into the political landscape of 2020 but fails to provide meaningful insights or substantive critiques. While it captures some of the divisions and tensions of the time, its focus on superficial conflicts and misanthropic themes leaves much to be desired. Critics argue that more nuanced examinations of these issues are necessary for a thorough understanding of the year’s interconnected crises.
