theguardian.com
Eddington": A 2020 Pandemic Satire
Ari Aster's "Eddington" is a black dramedy set in May 2020, depicting the impact of the COVID-19 pandemic and social media on a small town in New Mexico, highlighting the tensions between online and offline realities and portraying the amplification of societal divisions.
- What is the most significant impact of Ari Aster's "Eddington" on the portrayal of the COVID-19 pandemic and its effects on society?
- Ari Aster's "Eddington" uniquely portrays the chaotic intersection of online and offline life during the early days of the COVID-19 pandemic in 2020. The film realistically depicts how social media, misinformation, and political polarization fueled real-world tensions and anxieties. Specific examples include characters engaging with social media, responding to COVID-19 restrictions, and witnessing the emergence of the Black Lives Matter protests.
- How does "Eddington" use the specific context of May 2020 to comment on broader societal trends related to technology, misinformation, and political division?
- Eddington" connects the hyper-specific events of May 2020 – from the early days of lockdowns and the rise of BLM protests to the spread of misinformation – to broader anxieties about the internet's influence on society. The film highlights how online echo chambers amplify existing societal divisions and shape individuals' perceptions of reality, as seen in the reactions to COVID restrictions and the Black Lives Matter movement. This detailed depiction of the time period makes the satire more impactful.
- What are the long-term implications suggested by the film's realistic portrayal of the chaotic intersection between online and offline realities during the pandemic?
- Aster's film suggests a lasting impact: the blurring of lines between online and offline realities continues to shape contemporary society. The film's depiction of how swiftly online anger can manifest into real-world conflict warns against the dangers of unchecked online discourse and the spread of misinformation. This sets a precedent for future films that aim to accurately and engagingly portray complex societal events.
Cognitive Concepts
Framing Bias
The review is overwhelmingly positive towards the film's handling of its setting and the portrayal of the 2020 environment, framing it as a success in a field where such representations are rare. While acknowledging some flaws, such as the film's pacing in the second half, the positive framing dominates the overall assessment.
Language Bias
The language used is largely descriptive and analytical, although phrases such as "gut-twisting, unworldly horror" and "brain-searing, highly symbolic shocks" reveal a subjective and somewhat sensationalistic tone. However, this is typical of film criticism and doesn't constitute severe bias.
Bias by Omission
The review focuses heavily on the film's portrayal of the 2020 social and political climate, but omits discussion of other potential biases within the film, such as potential class bias or biases related to the portrayal of specific political viewpoints. There is no mention of the film's representation of specific demographics beyond a brief note on the portrayal of Black Lives Matter protesters.
Gender Bias
The review does not analyze gender representation within the film. The main characters mentioned are all male, while female characters are only briefly mentioned. This absence of gender analysis could suggest a bias by omission.
Sustainable Development Goals
The movie depicts the social and political turmoil of 2020, highlighting racial tensions and the unequal impact of events like the COVID-19 pandemic and the Black Lives Matter protests. The film's portrayal of these issues, even if not perfectly balanced, contributes to raising awareness and fostering discussion about societal inequalities.