Ari Aster's Latest Obsession: Unpacking the Themes and Motifs in "Eddington: Remember the Phones"

In a recent interview, acclaimed filmmaker Ari Aster revealed that his latest project, "Eddington: Remember the Phones," is not directly about the COVID-19 pandemic. While the film may have been inspired by the experiences of its protagonist during this time, it is actually a character-driven story that explores deeper themes and motifs.

The Power of Synchronicity

Aster's fascination with synchronicity is evident in "Eddington: Remember the Phones." The title itself is a nod to the concept of synchronicity, coined by Swiss psychiatrist Carl Jung. According to Jung, synchronicity refers to the occurrence of two or more events that seem to be meaningfully connected, yet lack a causal relationship.

In the film, this theme is embodied in the protagonist's encounters with various characters who are all struggling with their own personal demons. Despite being physically separated, these individuals find themselves drawn together by circumstance, illustrating the power of synchronicity in shaping our lives.

The Absence of Inciting Incident

Aster has stated that the onset of COVID-19 is not the inciting incident of "Eddington: Remember the Phones." Instead, the film begins with a seemingly ordinary day in the protagonist's life. However, as the story progresses, it becomes clear that this ordinariness is actually a facade, masking deeper anxieties and fears.

This narrative structure serves to highlight the complexities of the human experience. By eschewing traditional plot twists and inciting incidents, Aster creates a sense of intimacy and immediacy, drawing the audience into the protagonist's inner world.

Exploring the Human Condition

"Eddington: Remember the Phones" is a character-driven film that probes the intricacies of the human condition. Through its protagonist's struggles with identity, community, and connection, Aster raises important questions about our place within society and our relationships with others.

The film's title, "Eddington," serves as a symbol of this existential inquiry. The name appears to be arbitrary at first glance, yet upon closer inspection, it reveals itself to be a poignant metaphor for the human experience. Eddington is a place where the boundaries between reality and fantasy blur, much like our own experiences of navigating the complexities of life.

The Symbolism of the Post-it Note

In Aster's original script, a post-it note plays a significant role in the protagonist's narrative. The note serves as a reminder of an important message or event, but its true significance is open to interpretation.

Aster has stated that he often carried a post-it note with him while writing the film, serving as a tangible connection to his protagonist's inner world. This symbol also appears in various forms throughout the story, highlighting the interconnectedness of human experience and the ways in which our thoughts and emotions are intertwined.

Themes and Motifs

Through "Eddington: Remember the Phones," Aster explores several key themes and motifs, including:

• Synchronicity: The film's exploration of synchronicity highlights the complexities of human connection and the ways in which our experiences are intertwined.
• The Absence of Inciting Incident: By eschewing traditional plot twists and inciting incidents, Aster creates a sense of intimacy and immediacy, drawing the audience into the protagonist's inner world.
• Exploring the Human Condition: The film probes the intricacies of human experience, raising important questions about our place within society and our relationships with others.

Conclusion

Ari Aster's "Eddington: Remember the Phones" is a thought-provoking film that explores deeper themes and motifs. Through its protagonist's struggles with identity, community, and connection, the film raises important questions about human experience and relationships. By employing unconventional narrative structures and symbolism, Aster creates a sense of intimacy and immediacy, drawing the audience into the protagonist's inner world.

Ultimately, "Eddington: Remember the Phones" is a testament to the power of cinema as a medium for exploring the complexities of human experience.