"Eddington" and the American Berserk
Briefly

Ari Aster's film "Eddington" encapsulates the turmoil of May 2020, marked by the coronavirus pandemic, the murder of George Floyd, and political strife. Critics discuss the film's connection to the concept of the 'indigenous American berserk', as introduced by Philip Roth. They explore how literature and film portray historical moments of social rupture. The conversation touches upon the challenges of accurately reflecting these upheavals without being affected by them, questioning the ultimate value of such cultural examinations.
Ari Aster's wildly divisive new movie "Eddington" drops audiences back into the chaos of May, 2020—a time when the confluence of various societal issues shattered society.
Schwartz expresses a concern when dealing with the American berserk, stating, "the big risk is getting the bends." This reflects the challenge of attempting to depict social rupture.
The critics debate whether the attempt to understand moments of social rupture in history is ultimately a futile one, reflecting on their representation in various works.
They consider the lineage of the 'indigenous American berserk', referencing Philip Roth's concept from his novel "American Pastoral", linking it to contemporary events.
Read at The New Yorker
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