npr.org
Eddington": A Cynical Simulacrum of 2020's Racial Reckoning
Ari Aster's "Eddington" depicts a small New Mexico town's response to George Floyd's murder in May 2020, highlighting performative activism amidst COVID-19 anxieties and showcasing the shallow portrayal of its only Black character, a police officer.
- How does the film depict the responses of Eddington's residents to the murder of George Floyd, and what are the strengths and weaknesses of this portrayal?
- The movie uses the backdrop of May 2020 to explore themes of racial reckoning and social justice activism. However, the film is criticized for its superficial treatment of these issues, focusing on the performative aspects of activism rather than substantive change. The director's choice to focus on angsty teenagers further exacerbates this issue.
- What are the key social and political issues explored in Ari Aster's "Eddington", and how does the film's setting in May 2020 shape its portrayal of these issues?
- Eddington", Ari Aster's new film set in May 2020, depicts a small town grappling with the aftermath of George Floyd's murder and the COVID-19 pandemic. The film portrays the town's predominantly white community engaging in protests and discussions about racial injustice, yet lacking concrete action plans. The characters' actions are portrayed as both admirable and insufferable.
- Does "Eddington" succeed in offering a nuanced and insightful commentary on racial justice and social activism in the context of the COVID-19 pandemic, and what are the film's limitations in achieving this goal?
- The film's portrayal of Michael, the only Black character, as a police officer is seen as a simplistic and convenient trope, failing to explore his internal conflicts or experiences with racism. The film's focus on symbolic representation rather than character development undermines its attempt to engage with complex social issues. This results in a film that feels more like a cynical reproduction of the events of 2020 than a genuine exploration of them.
Cognitive Concepts
Framing Bias
The review frames the film negatively, focusing on its perceived cynicism and lack of depth. The choice to highlight the film's reproduction of chaotic events rather than its artistic merit shapes the reader's interpretation. For example, the description of the characters as "admirable yet insufferable" sets a critical tone from the start.
Language Bias
The review uses strong, subjective language such as "laughably convenient," "insufferable," and "artistically cheap." These terms carry negative connotations and detract from objective analysis. More neutral language could provide a more balanced perspective. For example, instead of "laughably convenient," the review could use "convenient and potentially predictable.
Bias by Omission
The review focuses heavily on the film's portrayal of race and the character Michael, a Black police officer, but omits exploring other potential biases within the film's narrative or representation of other characters. The lack of exploration of other potential biases leaves the analysis incomplete. Additionally, the review does not delve into the film's plot in detail, focusing primarily on its representation of race relations, potentially overlooking other aspects of framing, language, or gender bias.
False Dichotomy
The review implies a false dichotomy between 'documentation' and 'creation' in filmmaking, suggesting that the film fails because it attempts to do both. This ignores the possibility of a film successfully blending both aspects.
Gender Bias
The review primarily focuses on the male characters and their actions. While it mentions a female character's interaction with Michael, there's no detailed analysis of gender representation or stereotypes within the broader context of the film. This lack of analysis indicates a potential gender bias in the review itself.
Sustainable Development Goals
The movie depicts racial injustice and inequality in a small town, highlighting how the murder of George Floyd impacted different communities. The portrayal of the sole Black character as a police officer, with limited personal development and a stereotypical fate, reinforces existing societal biases and fails to offer meaningful exploration of systemic issues. The film's focus on performative activism rather than concrete solutions further undermines efforts towards reducing inequality.