When acclaimed writer and director Ari Aster took the stage to accept the ovation after the premiere of his divisive film, 'Eddington', at the Cannes Film Festival, he expressed his gratitude, stating, “I feel very privileged to be here. This is a dream come true. Thank you so much for having me. And, I don’t know, sorry?” This heartfelt acknowledgment came after the debut of his 145-minute film, which has sparked fierce debate among festival attendees.
'Eddington', set in a fictional New Mexico town during the tumultuous year of 2020, delves into the societal chaos surrounding COVID-19, Black Lives Matter, and other significant events of that year. The film features Joaquin Phoenix as Joe Cross, a conservative sheriff who challenges his pro-mask adversary, Ted Garcia, portrayed by Pedro Pascal, in a local mayoral election. The narrative intricately weaves through Joe’s personal struggles, showcasing his quarantine life with his anxiety-ridden wife, Louise (played by Emma Stone), and her conspiracy-theory-obsessed mother, Dawn (Deirdre O’Connell).
The film presents a stark commentary on the political climate, with Joe's campaign rooted in anti-mask and anti-vaccine sentiments. Meanwhile, he faces challenges from cult leader Vernon Jefferson Peak, played by Austin Butler, complicating both his political ambitions and personal life. Since its premiere, 'Eddington' has ignited extensive discussions along the Croisette, featuring a star-studded red carpet and a press conference with Aster and his cast, who showcased their unique styles and perspectives on the film.
Viewers' reactions to 'Eddington' have been polarized, with many expressing strong opinions that lean decidedly towards love or hate. Some critics argue that the film is a necessary social satire, encapsulating the panic and chaos of 2020 in a way that resonates deeply. IndieWire critic David Ehrlich praised Aster’s bold approach, suggesting that “few other filmmakers would have the chutzpah required” to tackle such a complex narrative. This sentiment reflects the film's potential as a mirror to society's past fears and anxieties.
During the press conference, Pascal acknowledged the film's daunting themes, stating, “It’s very scary to participate in a movie that speaks to issues like this. It’s far too intimidating a question for me to address.” He emphasized the film's reflection of the fractured reality experienced during lockdowns. Aster himself noted that he wrote 'Eddington' in a state of fear and anxiety, aiming to showcase a world where consensus on reality seems unattainable.
'Eddington' marks a significant departure for Aster from his previous work, such as 'Hereditary' and 'Midsommar', venturing into a genre that merges Western elements with contemporary social issues. Aster described the film as an exploration of a “dangerous road,” acknowledging the chaotic landscape of contemporary politics and social discourse.
Emma Stone shared her experiences while preparing for her role, revealing that her research into conspiracy theories inadvertently altered her social media algorithms. She remarked on the overwhelming nature of diving into such topics online, stating, “It’s a real rabbit hole, very quickly.” This insight highlights the film's commentary on the pervasive influence of social media in shaping perceptions and beliefs.
As 'Eddington' stands as the most conversation-starting film at Cannes, the question of how A24 will market it remains intriguing. Currently, only one teaser has been released, showing Phoenix engaging with familiar imagery from the height of the COVID era. With its theatrical release set for July 16, 2023, audiences are eager to see how this contentious film will resonate beyond the festival circuit.
