Scorsese Praises Ari Aster’s “Eddington”
According to cinemadrame news agency, Martin Scorsese praised Ari Aster‘s film “Eddington” in an interview with The New York Times. The “Taxi Driver” director had previously commended Aster’s films “Hereditary” and “Midsommar,” calling him “one of the most extraordinary new voices in cinema.” He even lauded “Beau Is Afraid,” which received less acclaim than Aster’s first two films, calling it “unique and original.”
The story of “Eddington” is set in New Mexico during the first months of the pandemic and follows a sheriff named Joe Cross, played by Joaquin Phoenix, and a mayor named Ted Garcia, played by Pedro Pascal, who are at odds. After a tense encounter in a store over wearing a mask, the sheriff decides to run for mayor. Other cast members in the film include Austin Butler, Emma Stone, William Belleau, Luke Grimes, Michael Ward, and Clifton Collins Jr.
The director of “Killers of the Flower Moon” said about “Eddington”: “The emotional violence that exists behind it gives it external reality. ‘Eddington’ goes straight into that aspect of American life that many can’t stand to look at or even understand – no one wants to listen to anyone else, and that’s terrifying.”
Scorsese had written about “Beau Is Afraid”: “This film, on many levels, was commendable to me. The second time I watched it, I understood the technical artistry behind it. The first time, I didn’t know what it was about; no one had told me anything about it. The film’s language, which was unique and original, made me admire it. Its risk-taking is very unique and impactful, and there aren’t many filmmakers today who can do that.”
“Eddington” will open this coming weekend in over 2,100 theaters across the United States. The film was made on a budget of $40 million to $60 million but is tracking for a $5 million domestic opening. “Eddington” premiered at the Cannes Film Festival and received a 67% score on Rotten Tomatoes and 65% on Metacritic.
The film “Beau Is Afraid” was made two years ago on a $34 million budget and grossed $11 million worldwide.
