The Big Picture
Episode: Ari Aster’s ‘Eddington’ Is a Mirror. Like What You See?
Release Date: July 18, 2025
Host/Authors: Sean Fennessy & Amanda Dobbins
Guests: Adam Neyman, Ari Aster
1. Introduction
The episode kicks off with Sean Fennessy and Amanda Dobbins welcoming listeners to The Big Picture, where they delve into the latest in cinema, featuring reviews, top lists, and insightful discussions with industry colleagues.
2. Festival Buzz and New Releases
Sean and Amanda begin by discussing recent developments in the film festival circuit. They highlight the trailer release for Luca Guadagnino’s "After the Hunt," noting its star-studded cast including Julia Roberts and Andrew Garfield.
Sean (02:27): “It's a campus sexual assault slash cancel culture drama, seemingly. Is this a commercial enterprise?”
They also touch upon Kiyoshi Kurosawa’s latest film, "Cloud," set to premiere in the US, emphasizing Kurosawa’s reputation as a master filmmaker known for his bleak narratives.
Amanda (03:29): “It feels like a good fit for that festival as well. A kind of talky drama about sensitive issues in our modern times.”
3. Deep Dive: Ari Aster’s ‘Eddington’
The core of the episode centers around Ari Aster’s fourth feature, "Eddington." Sean provides an overview of the film, highlighting its ensemble cast featuring Joaquin Phoenix, Pedro Pascal, Emma Stone, and others. He praises cinematographer Darius Khondji for his exceptional work, likening him to legendary cinematographers like David Fincher and Christopher Nolan.
Sean (08:09): “This is an A24 movie. The story is as follows. During the COVID-19 pandemic, roughly May 2020, a standoff between a small town sheriff and mayor sparks a powder keg as neighbors are pitted against neighbors in Eddington, New Mexico.”
Amanda shares her initial impressions, describing "Eddington" as the funniest movie she’s seen in 2025, while still acknowledging its dark and effective humor.
Amanda (09:08): “This is definitely the funniest movie that I have seen in 2025. And the way that it uses humor says a lot about Ari Aster's worldview and my worldview and the state of the world that we're in.”
4. Interview Segment: Ari Aster
Ari Aster joins the conversation, marking his fifth appearance on the podcast. The discussion explores Aster’s transition from horror to a more socially charged narrative in "Eddington."
Amanda (10:00): “Can I ask you something about this interview?”
Aster elaborates on the film’s themes, emphasizing its lack of opportunism and its deep social commentary. He draws parallels to classic Westerns and modern conspiracy thrillers, explaining how "Eddington" serves as a mirror to contemporary societal tensions.
Ari Aster (16:51): “It's smart, even if it's played for laughs. It's intelligent.”
He discusses the challenges of portraying a town divided by political and social conflicts, emphasizing the film's focus on the American experience and the erosion of empathy in modern society.
Ari Aster (19:51): “It's also just so consistent with what all of his other movies are about, which is just like buried histories inside of families and then what manifests out of those buried histories.”
5. Thematic Exploration: Division and Empathy
Sean, Amanda, and Ari dissect the film’s portrayal of community division, emphasizing how characters grapple with their personal traumas amidst societal chaos.
Sean (22:29): “Again, smart, I think, also when you keep showing these moments of panic in our society, that always reveals something underneath the surface of how people really are.”
They discuss pivotal scenes, such as the confrontation with the homeless character Lodge and the depiction of Antifa, analyzing how these elements serve as metaphors for broader societal issues.
Amanda (27:23): “Speaking of crisis actors, like, how of the homeless guy at the beginning, he's the first shot of the movie walking along a street highway demarcation, which is very significant in terms of a movie about slipping over boundaries and sides.”
6. Filmmaking Techniques and Stylistic Choices
The conversation shifts to the technical aspects of "Eddington." Sean praises the film’s visual storytelling, particularly the use of negative space and the strategic placement of characters within frames.
Ari Aster (21:05): “Like, I think when he's recording one of his videos, I think it's where he announces his mayoral campaign. He uses the iPhone by isolating the iPhone in the middle of the frame.”
Amanda highlights the film’s blend of genres, likening its humor to that of Albert Brooks and Larry David, which adds a layer of cringing comedy to the narrative.
Amanda (31:53): “The funniest moment in the movie to me by far is when the young white kid, Brian, is sitting at his dinner table...”
7. Reception and Market Performance
Sean and Amanda discuss the film’s reception, noting its divisive nature and challenges in marketing a film that blends intense political commentary with dark humor.
Sean (55:48): “It's a very good point. I mean, dealing with the present has created some of the best movies of all time.”
They compare "Eddington" to Luca Guadagnino’s "Civil War," analyzing how both films navigate politically charged narratives within the A24 framework.
Amanda (59:26): “It was about how nobody knew what was happening, especially the people in power who are kind of scrambling to hold on to their power.”
8. Spotlight on Kiyoshi Kurosawa’s ‘Cloud’
The episode transitions to discussing Kiyoshi Kurosawa’s new film, "Cloud," with Adam Neyman providing a passionate endorsement. He describes Kurosawa as one of the greatest living filmmakers, lauding his ability to evoke fear without traditional horror elements.
Adam Neyman (67:35): “I think he's a brilliant filmmaker. And Cloud, which is being hailed as a return to form, which is silly because it's not like his form has ever abandoned him.”
Neyman recommends Kurosawa’s film "Tokyo Sonata" to listeners, praising its ambiguous and haunting narrative style.
Adam (86:35): “I just hope people go see Cloud, because, again, it's cool that it got an American release.”
9. Closing Remarks and Future Episodes
Sean and Amanda wrap up the episode by teasing upcoming content, including a screening in Chicago and future discussions on ambitious projects like Adam’s production company, Squarepeg.
Amanda (119:47): “We are going to go to a Cubs game. I want to go to the Art Institute. I've never been to Chicago. This is my first time.”
Sean (120:05): “Can we talk about Joaquin in that context for a minute?...”
They express excitement for future episodes and encourage listeners to stay tuned for more in-depth film analyses and conversations with influential filmmakers.
Notable Quotes
- Sean Fennessy (09:08): “I think to me, it's very effective.”
- Amanda Dobbins (31:53): “...it's just, like, ridiculous. And its willingness to kind of poke fun at it while also, I think, trying to reveal, like, a genuine pain and anxiety is an amazing magic trick.”
- Ari Aster (19:51): “It's about something that is us and not a me movie.”
- Adam Neyman (67:35): “He is one of the great filmmakers, thinkers working right now just like you are.”
Conclusion
In this episode, Sean and Amanda provide a comprehensive exploration of Ari Aster’s "Eddington," delving into its complex themes of societal division and personal trauma. Their insightful interview with Aster offers viewers a deeper understanding of the filmmaker’s intentions and the movie’s place within contemporary cinema. Additionally, the spotlight on Kiyoshi Kurosawa’s "Cloud" underscores the podcast’s commitment to highlighting visionary directors shaping the film industry today.
Note: Advertisements, introductions, and other non-content segments have been excluded to maintain focus on the substantive discussions.