elpais.com
Eddington: A Societal Satire by Ari Aster
Ari Aster's "Eddington" uses the backdrop of a New Mexico town in 2020 to satirize American society's response to the pandemic and social unrest, starring Joaquin Phoenix and Pedro Pascal.
- How does the film utilize the setting and characters to convey its message?
- The isolated New Mexico setting symbolizes America's fractured state, while Phoenix's sheriff and Pascal's mayor represent conflicting ideologies within society. The film uses the chaotic energy of the pandemic and social media to highlight the breakdown of communication and trust, ultimately creating a satirical reflection of current events.
- What is the central theme of Ari Aster's "Eddington", and what are its immediate implications?
- Eddington" satirizes the toxic societal effects of the pandemic and social media's influence on American society in 2020. The film critiques the fragmented discourse around events like the George Floyd protests and the rise of conspiracy theories, highlighting their divisive impact. It showcases the breakdown of social cohesion and the spread of cynicism.
- What are the long-term implications or predictions suggested by the film's critique of American society?
- Eddington" suggests a concerning trajectory for American society if the fragmentation and cynicism depicted in the film continue. The lasting effects of misinformation, social division, and political polarization are implicitly warned against, painting a pessimistic yet thought-provoking picture of the country's future.
Cognitive Concepts
Framing Bias
The review uses strong, evocative language ("bisontes caer al vacío", "precipita al abismo sin remedio") to frame Eddington as a reflection of America's decline. The description of the film as a 'mordaz retrato de su país' further emphasizes this negative framing. While the imagery is powerful, it's important to note that this interpretation is subjective and might not encompass the full range of the film's themes.
Language Bias
The review employs highly charged and subjective language, such as "malrollera" (bad-tempered/mean-spirited), "excesiva" (excessive), and "tóxico" (toxic). These terms carry strong negative connotations and lack neutrality. More objective alternatives could include 'unconventional,' 'lengthy,' and 'problematic.' The repeated use of words like 'veneno' (poison) reinforces a negative portrayal of American society.
Bias by Omission
The review focuses heavily on the negative aspects of the film and American society, potentially omitting positive elements or counterarguments. While acknowledging the film's satirical nature, it doesn't explore any potentially redeeming qualities or nuances in the portrayal of the characters or society. The review also doesn't discuss any specific criticisms of the movie's cinematic elements outside the context of its sociopolitical message.
False Dichotomy
The review presents a somewhat simplified dichotomy between the director's previous horror films and Eddington, positioning the latter as a departure from the former without fully acknowledging potential thematic links or continuities. The framing of American society as uniformly 'inoculated by the same poison' ignores internal diversity and complexity.
Sustainable Development Goals
The movie Eddington portrays a critical view of American society, highlighting societal divisions and the spread of misinformation during the pandemic. This exacerbates existing inequalities and contributes to social unrest, aligning with the SDG 10 targets focused on reducing inequality within and among countries. The film's depiction of societal fracturing along political and social lines directly relates to the widening gap between different social groups, hindering progress towards a more equitable society.