Cannes Controversy: Pedro Pascal Champions Ari Aster’s ‘Eddington’ – A Western Exploring Our Deepest Fears in Lockdown

After the mixed reception of his latest film “Eddington” at Cannes, director Ari Aster delivered an emotional speech. He openly expressed his gratitude to the audience, saying, “Thank you so much for having me. And, I don’t know, sorry?”

The film, set in a fictional New Mexico town during the tumultuous summer of 2020, tackles themes from COVID to social justice. Joaquin Phoenix plays a conservative sheriff facing off against a pro-mask mayor, portrayed by Pedro Pascal. Meanwhile, Phoenix’s character deals with his conspiracy-theorist wife (Emma Stone) and her eccentric mother (Deirdre O’Connell).

“Eddington” has sparked intense debate among critics and viewers. Some view it as a necessary social satire, while others find it a tough watch, revisiting the anxieties of that summer. David Ehrlich from IndieWire called it bold, noting Aster’s chutzpah in handling such sensitive subject matter. He wrote that few filmmakers would dare attempt such a topic.

In interviews, Pascal admitted the film raised intimidating questions. He emphasized the importance of being informed and protective, concerned about where society stands. He said, “I felt like [Aster] wrote something that was all our worst fears as that lockdown experience was already a fracturing society.”

Aster himself admitted he wrote the film from a place of fear and anxiety. He aimed to capture the uncertainty of living in a world where reality feels ever-changing. His past works, like “Hereditary” and “Midsommar,” explored different themes, making “Eddington” a notable departure.

Interestingly, the film satirizes both sides of the political spectrum. Phoenix’s sheriff characters relentlessly oppose mask mandates while mocking liberal activists like Sarah (Amélie Hoeferle), who makes TikToks about social issues. This dual attack reflects the polarized landscape of the 2020 protests and public health debates.

Stone shared her experiences while preparing for her role. Researching conspiracy theories affected her social media algorithms, exposing her to more radical content: “Once you start Googling it, you start seeing more and more things. It’s a real rabbit hole very quickly.”

The film remains a hot topic as it continues to stir conversations surrounding its social message and pacing. Currently, it sits at a mixed score of 63 on Metacritic, reflecting the divided audience reaction. As A24 prepares for its July release, how they market this polarizing film could be key to its success.

Interestingly, Aster’s approach echoes wider trends observed in cinema since the pandemic. Films like Alex Garland’s “Civil War” tapped into national division, grossing over $127 million. “Eddington” is another attempt to reflect and critique the prevailing societal issues, leaving audiences wondering which perspective it will ultimately resonate with.

As viewers weigh in on social media, this film could become a talking point of the season, as critics and fans will likely continue to debate its impact and intent.

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