As I promised in my previous overly political post, I'm going to reveal my thoughts and impressions of two movies about present-day America.If you remember, I was inspired by "Eddington" and a bit disappointed by the acclaimed "One battle after another". In my view, both movies are quite focused on politics and the evolution of American society. Thus, I think it is a relevant case for comparison and analysis.

Let's start with "One battle ...", because I don't have much to tell. If you don't know, this movie is an adaptation of Thomas Pynchon's novel "Vineland". I didn't read this book, so I can't say if the adaptation is a good one. Nonetheless, I assume the novel has defined the unrealistic plot. The storyline of the movie is not about the United States in the present. Yes, there are a couple real problems like illegal immigration and treatment of such people. And that's all. Other situations, social or political issues, characters and their actions are quite imaginary. Apparently, that is good for a fiction book or an action movie. Because of this shallowness, this unreal drama didn’t move me. Also, despite sarcasm towards the left and the right in the US, we can see a rather left point of view on this version of the fictional America. I prefer when a movie is more sophisticated and closer to reality. I understand that my judgment is quite short and shallow, but this is my own conclusion. To me it is one more Hollywood mainstream movie for entertainment. No more.

But what is my favorite? First of all, it's the real auteur cinema. The movie is directed by Ari Aster, who also wrote the script. If you've seen the movie, you might argue that "Eddington" is full of absurdity. I disagree with that. I would say that during watching, we are passing through three different genres. The first part of the film is the best one, in my opinion. It's the first time I’ve seen the precise presentation of the COVID pandemic times. It's so sharp. It's not funny. Because that time was not funny and there were a lot of absurd things. Total uncertainty is in everyone - in authority and in people. Additionally to the inability of people to negotiate, we see the stupidity of ultra-left reasoning and ultra-right violence. The atmosphere of that crazy time is full of tension and unhappiness.

The second part of the film is a criminal drama. It's a "Crime and Justice" by Dostoevsky in an American context. Self-destruction of a good person, who committed only one crime for the “right justice” is a well known theme, however, here Ari Aster used his talent of creating horror movies. He is very good at causing you sudden shock. Like a snowball, violence multiplies more and more, until we get the catharsis of the movie ending.

In my humble opinion, we ought to watch this grotesque, video-game-like stylization, as the symbolism of self-destructive fear, when we are shooting at our own illusions and our guilt. I interpret this message as a warning about the upcoming future. About a time, when all seeds of committed evil have brought their fruits. The main prediction is that a mutilated young man is polishing his shooting skills.

P.S. I am really sorry, if my post is full of politics (again) and it annoys you. You may have enough such things in your reality. I promise not to touch this area until the next talented film or a vital event moves me.