Ari Aster’s Eccentric Odyssey: “Beau is Afraid”
Ari Aster, the mastermind behind unsettling cinematic experiences, delivers his third feature, a mesmerizingly eccentric journey titled “Beau is Afraid.” With Aster’s signature touch, this blackest of black comedies immerses audiences in a paranoid fever dream, intricately woven within the psyche of Beau Wassermann, a character portrayed with impeccable nuance by Joaquin Phoenix. This audacious film, jokingly referred to by Aster as a “Jewish Lord of the Rings,” is a testament to patience and investment, challenging viewers to endure its glorious madness.
Key Points
Synopsis:
Beau Wassermann, a character teeming with extreme anxiety, rarely steps out of his flat unless necessity compels him. His complex relationship with his mother adds layers to his already anxious existence. When he learns of his mother’s demise, Beau is reluctantly thrust into the outside world, triggering a sequence of misadventures. From surreal encounters like being struck naked by a truck to becoming a surrogate son for grieving suburbanites, and even participating in a bizarre play in the woods based on his life, the film takes audiences on an unpredictable rollercoaster. The final act, set in his mother’s house, introduces an indescribable blend of eccentricity involving a giant talking phallus in the attic.
Episodic Nature:
“Beau is Afraid” thrives on deliberate episodic storytelling, rooted in its origins as a short film by Aster. This episodic structure, while making the film a three-hour odyssey, ensures that the audience is continually engaged. Each segment unfolds with fresh horrors for the hapless Beau, creating an experience where the journey outweighs the destination. The film’s deliberate pacing, though demanding endurance, promises relief as new sections introduce captivating developments.
Anxiety as Art:
Aster ingeniously uses the film as a canvas to portray extreme anxiety. Every scene is laden with tension, even in the gentlest moments. The audience is perpetually on edge, mirroring Beau’s perpetual unease. Aster masterfully incorporates elements at the periphery, be it a mysterious figure or a haunting image, ensuring that anxiety permeates every frame. The film becomes an immersive journey into the psyche of its lead character, offering an authentic portrayal of what extreme anxiety feels like.
Motherhood as Monstrosity:
Mona Wassermann, Beau’s mother, emerges as one of recent cinema’s most formidable monsters. Played by Patti DuPont, Mona instills an all-encompassing fear in her son. A pivotal scene, brilliantly portrayed by Zoe Lister-Jones as the younger Mona, unveils a bedtime story that both terrifies and enthralls. Mona narrates an unsettling tale of Beau’s conception, intertwining pleasure with panic and setting the stage for Beau’s complex relationship with intimacy.
Dark Humor Amidst Horror:
What sets “Beau is Afraid” apart is its consistent infusion of dark humor, even in the most horrifying moments. Aster weaves comedy seamlessly into the narrative, creating a film that remains entertaining despite its disturbing and unsettling undertones. Joaquin Phoenix’s commitment to the role enhances the humor, making even the most grotesque scenes oddly amusing.
Playful Direction and Vision:
Aster’s directorial prowess shines through as he navigates the fine line between horror and humor. “Beau is Afraid” is a testament to Aster’s playful and confident approach, offering a vision that Joaquin Phoenix embraces with unwavering conviction. The film engages with its audience, prompting self-reflection on their role as viewers. The conclusion ingeniously integrates the audience into the narrative, mirroring Beau’s immersion into the play.
Final Verdict:
While not every aspect of the film might resonate universally, such as the animated section, there’s no denying that “Beau is Afraid” is filmmaking at its most daring. It is an exploration of flair and talent, demanding the attention of cinephiles willing to embark on an unconventional journey. Ari Aster’s audacious storytelling and Joaquin Phoenix’s dedicated performance make “Beau is Afraid” a cinematic experience that transcends traditional boundaries, inviting viewers into a realm where horror and humor coexist in mesmerizing harmony.
