Beau is Afraid: Pure Artistic Expression
The never ending battle waged across all different artforms, is one between the value of the more complex form of artistic expression vs the more entertaining. In a capitalistic society such as this, it’s an inevitable battle. Consumerism drives profits, profits expand the artform and the monetary exchange of art for money places value. So at water coolers, barber shops or anywhere that a substantive and intense argument takes place we argue the difference between good and popular. Each popularized artform see’s this battle fought in different ways with different metrics both financial and critical as evidence for each argument.
In film, the imperfect combination of box office, critical scores and awards (particularly the Oscars) fuel our debate. While debates over films using that or other imperfect metrics such as production studio or if it made it in the Criterion Collection, are great for casual debate, it’s far from the true mark of a film's value. The great thing about the art of cinema is that it’s all encompassing. The Marvel blockbuster that seemingly prioritizes entertainment over artistic expression is just as much cinema as the sub $1 million budget independent film. Regardless of the type of expression it’s all that, and should be valued as such. Which also means we have to take each film as intended by its makers and extract the value and quality against that intention.
All of this is far from an exact science, with many variables that will always complicate the conversation. It’s the subjectivity that colors these debates. That provides the passion, acceptance and meaning that films can often provide. At the center of it all, is the artist. They should always remain there; we should never lose appreciation for that. With film as expansive and creative as ever, opportunities offered to a wider number of artists and audiences. We are seeing the blending of art and entertainment in brand new and unique ways.
At the front of this pack is Ari Aster. A filmmaker touted by many, after his first feature Hereditary, to be one of the best up and coming filmmakers alive. His follow up, Midsommar, narrowed his perspective audience by leaning more into his unique perspective, style and talent. A success by any measurable metric, heading into his third film Beau is Afraid, Ari had the attention of the entire film community. With that he presents his most unique, personal and creative film yet; while also his most polarizing.
To describe Beau is Afraid is to do it a disservice. It’s impossible to fully describe, because it is as bizarre as it is interesting and as creative as it is incoherent. It’s what I imagine taking a psychedelic and watching a regular movie is like; unexpected, unique and profound. To better summarize the film, it’s an experience. One that comes at the hands of a deft filmmaker working with complete creative freedom and with a specific goal in mind. That goal is to challenge the viewer. Not in a combative way but in the way the best things in life challenge you. Pushing you to think differently, see differently and experience differently. This isn’t an experience for everyone, but even that qualifier is reductive because nothing is for everyone. What Beau is Afraid is, is artistic expression in its purest and most free. That alone is not only beautiful to experience but it’s beautiful to witness.
As a filmmaker, Ari Aster is an unorthodox storyteller. His ability to pull extreme genre tropes from general experiences is enthralling. Terror from familial dysfunction in Hereditary, horror from a break up in Midsommar and now comedy from guilt and anxiety. Ari’s view of the world feels almost backwards in the best and most interesting way possible. The representation of that here is the comedy that is genuinely laugh out loud funny. All throughout its three acts are plenty of spots that are absurdly funny. The caveat being that you have to either be someone with a dark (very dark) sense of humor, or be willing to go to a dark place to find humor. Ultimately, that is the major differentiator of enjoyment in this film, are you willing to go on the ride this film will take you on. If so, then you will not only find the funny, you will also find the profound.
While this is a rather simple question that can be applied to any film, in the case of Beau is Afraid, it truly is the barrier for entry. An open mind is required. Which is why this film will find the most unique audience. All you need is an open mind to enjoy it because on the periphery is extraordinary filmmaking. Regardless of your enjoyment of the film, what is undeniable is the talent of all involved. Ari’s ability to weave the bizarre and exceptional into a rather straightforward is brillant. Adding color, intrigue and a unique vision to elevate the story to touch any viewer willing to accept it. Then there is his eye as a director which is a match in brilliance to the aforementioned. The film is stunningly beautiful and as visually interesting as you can get.
Alongside him is Joaquin Phoenix that delivers another brilliant performance, which is a shock to no one. One of the best living actors, given this funhouse to play in, is destined to deliver greatness. Much as we’re accustomed to, it’s his commitment, full in body and emotion, that holds the film together. The absurd becomes more believable with him at the center. His portrayal of Beau is gentle, dynamic and deeply moving. He doesn’t stand alone. Every actor that touches the screen is delivering on the highest possible level and at the highest possible note. Collective brilliance is what is powering this film. That is just another element to admire.
Admire is ultimately the word I’m stuck with. I admire this film; it’s ambition, vision and execution. This is more than a filmmaker simply “taking a big swing”. This is someone working from a place of passion and freedom. So admire is what I must do because we don’t often get to see it as overtly as this. Art can be many things to many people. When someone uses that art to express something so deeply personal the vulnerability alone is worth our admiration. Greatness only comes from big chances. Whether or not you think this chance resulted in greatness, the art behind it is undeniable. At its best art challenges you, provokes you, pushes you to feel something. That is what Beau is Afraid does. You feel, experience, go through something with those characters, for me that was profound. What more could anyone ask for?
