Eddington

Savage. This word not only perfectly describes Ari Aster’s latest film but it's also a word frequently used by the late great writer Hunter S. Thompson. Thompson used it to describe the work of his often-collaborator, artist Ralph Steadman. As I watched Eddington I thought about the work of Steadman, especially from Fear and Loathing in Las Vegas. Steadman’s portraits of Americans are often grotesque, unflattering, and as Thompson would say, savage. So too, is Ari Aster’s Eddington, a film that takes place in the early days of the pandemic, more specifically, May 2020, in the small New Mexican town of Eddington. Sheriff Joe Cross (Joaquin Phoenix) doesn't enjoy wearing a mask and doesn't think anyone should who is uncomfortable doing so. The town's mayor, Ted Garcia (Pedro Pascal) is running for reelection and is unhappy with his town's law enforcement. Cross decides to run for mayor himself - it's buffoonery. The whole film has a Coen brothers feel to it, Burn After Reading crossed with No Country for Old Men. It's darkly funny. At times as ridiculous as South Park, and I mean this as a compliment. Ari Aster was already one of my new favourtie directors. Beau is Afraid was my top pick for 2023. Eddington solidifies Aster is one of the best writers and directors working today, up there with Christopher Nolan, David Fincher, and the Coen brothers. Eddington is a scathing, savage, and tremendously funny portrait of modern America. Catch it in theatres now. In Ottawa, it's currently playing at the Bytowne.