theglobeandmail.com
Eddington": Pandemic Satire Exposes Societal Fractures
Ari Aster's "Eddington" is a satirical thriller set in a New Mexico town during the COVID-19 pandemic, exploring the breakdown of social order amidst conflicting responses to the crisis, starring Joaquin Phoenix, Pedro Pascal, and Emma Stone, and opening in theatres July 18.
- How does "Eddington" explore the interplay between individual responses to the pandemic and pre-existing societal tensions?
- The film uses the pandemic as a backdrop to explore deeper societal fissures and the erosion of trust. The characters' responses to the crisis reflect pre-existing tensions and biases, highlighting how external events can exacerbate existing problems. The narrative shows the breakdown of community and the rise of extremism.
- What does the film suggest about the future of American society, given its depiction of societal breakdown and the enduring nature of conflict?
- Eddington" suggests that societal divisions and underlying tensions, rather than the pandemic itself, are the primary source of societal collapse. The film's bleak outlook implies that even without a pandemic, similar conflicts and societal breakdowns could occur. The film's ending leaves a lasting sense of despair.
- What are the immediate societal impacts depicted in "Eddington", and how does the film connect these to the broader context of the COVID-19 pandemic?
- Eddington", Ari Aster's new film, satirizes the COVID-19 pandemic's impact on a small New Mexico town, depicting societal divisions and the breakdown of order. Sheriff Joe Cross, played by Joaquin Phoenix, opposes pandemic measures, clashing with Mayor Ted Garcia (Pedro Pascal). The film explores the fragility of social structures under stress.
Cognitive Concepts
Framing Bias
The review frames the film as a "magnificently off-the-rails poison pill" and a "vicious exploration of what happens when a society tears itself apart." This framing emphasizes the negative and chaotic aspects of the film, potentially overshadowing any potential positive or complex messages it might convey. The description of the main character, Sheriff Joe, as "largely by-the-book family man" who is "highly skeptical of any pandemic-prevention measures", frames his skepticism as a defining characteristic, potentially influencing the reader's interpretation of his actions.
Language Bias
The review uses strong, evocative language, such as "poison pill," "caustic and unnerving," and "eye-popping shock." These terms create a sense of negativity and intensity, potentially shaping the reader's perception of the film. While effective for creating dramatic impact, these choices aren't entirely neutral and could be replaced with more objective descriptors. For example, "intense" instead of "eye-popping shock" or "unsettling" instead of "caustic and unnerving.
Bias by Omission
The review focuses heavily on the film's portrayal of the pandemic and its impact on American society, but it omits discussion of other potential interpretations or critiques of the film's narrative. There is no mention of the film's box office performance, critical reception outside of the provided excerpt, or its potential impact on the film industry. While the limited scope is understandable within a review, these omissions might leave readers with an incomplete picture of the film's overall significance.
False Dichotomy
The review presents a somewhat false dichotomy by suggesting that viewers will find themselves briefly aligned with both pro-vaxxers and anti-maskers. This simplification ignores the nuanced and complex positions individuals may hold on the issue of pandemic response. While the film might explore different viewpoints, the review's framing reduces the complexity.
Gender Bias
The review focuses heavily on the male characters, particularly Sheriff Joe and Mayor Garcia, providing detailed descriptions of their personalities and actions. While Emma Stone's performance is praised, the description of her character, Louise, is limited to her suffering and descent into internet rabbit holes, potentially reinforcing stereotypes about women's fragility. The mention of her prior role in "The Curse" reinforces this by associating her with similar character traits across different projects. The review should expand on the female characters' motivations, inner struggles, and contributions to the plot, beyond their relationship to the male characters.
Sustainable Development Goals
The film depicts the negative impacts of a pandemic on mental health, showing characters struggling with emotional distress and societal breakdown. The portrayal of societal dysfunction and violence indirectly relates to the overall well-being of the population.