“Downsizing” a miniature failure
By Aaron Reynolds
The Surveyor
2.5 out of 5 Stars
Rated: R
Are you exhausted from working the same nine to five? Ever feel like there is never any money left over after paying all the bills? Do you wish life had a “restart” button?
The new film “Downsizing” – starring Matt Damon – is all about fresh starts.
“Downsizing” is produced, written and directed by Alexander Payne, who already has a reputation for creating films with satirical depictions of contemporary society (“Sideways,” “Nebraska,”) and takes it to another level by offering one of the most dynamic examinations of modern-day culture and social issues. Whether he is effective in doing so is largely based on personal interpretation.
Paul (Damon) is having a difficult time just getting by. He, along with his wife (Kristen Wiig), still lives in the house he grew up in despite working a full-time job. Frustrated with his way of life, Paul becomes inspired to make a radical change by “downsizing,” a revolutionary new scientific/medical process that shrinks humans down to five to six inches and gives them a brand new start in a miniature world where your money has more value and food lasts much longer.
While downsizing is touted as a way to save the planet from overpopulation due to leaving a much smaller carbon footprint, many who have already undergone the procedure claim they can now “live like kings,” essentially transforming their previous, general run-of-the-mill lifestyles in the larger world to one that is far more profitable.
Despite “Downsizing” shortcomings, which are largely related to story structure, there is much to applaud here. For starters, these are the types of movies Hollywood needs to release more often. It is an extremely unique story with much bigger implications. “Downsizing” examines everything from income inequality to climate change, yet never gets too preachy or attempts to lecture a certain political belief down your throat.
Instead it admits humankind is gravely flawed, and there is obviously no clear-cut solution. As Paul discovers, even in a dream land where everyone is designed to thrive, the evil notions of humans take over as greed and selfishness become apparent, thus making the society nearly as divided as the one they left.
The problem is “Downsizing” is two hours and 15 minutes long, and at times drags, at times lacks an identity. It is billed as a comedy-drama yet isn’t notably funny or extraordinarily serious. It’s a science fiction piece of filmmaking yet doesn’t necessarily wow you with those dazzling visuals you would expect from this brand new world.
It would have likely been much more effective as a TV series where the story-telling wouldn’t have been crammed into such a tight narrative window, especially when trying to solve some of society’s biggest conundrums. Ultimately, “Downsizing” is one of the most admirable pieces of filmmaking of the past year, yet lacks the payoff that could have made it a masterpiece.
- June, 23 2022
Metalex expands into the aerospace in...
Metalex Thermal Specialties in Berthoud just completed accreditation to provide its heat treating services for...
- August, 23 2019
Colorado Rose Cake Co. wins The Knot&...
By Shelley Widhalm The Surveyor Though Colorado Rose Cake Co. won multiple awards, what’s more...
- October, 21 2021
If the shoe fits, take it to Pierre...
It’s part technical skill, part art form and those who do it have become few...
- April, 19 2019
McCarty-Fickel Home Museum to plant r...
By Shelley Widhalm The Surveyor The McCarty-Fickel Home Museum will start with 10 rose bushes...
- November, 02 2023
Habitat for Humanity partners with to...
By Brendan Henry The Surveyor At Berthoud’s Board of Trustees meeting on Oct. 10, the...
- June, 25 2020
Customize your tattoo at new Berthoud...
Courtesy Photo - Mike O’Neil, co-owner of Mountain Avenue Tattoo, stands May 28 outside his...
POLICEBLOTTER
Community NewsNorthern Water sets C-BT quota at 70% for 2024
Community NewsEmotions run high during Revere Property hearing
Community NewsSnowpack at 119% above normal
Community NewsKarspeck to serve third term as Berthoud mayor
Community NewsOPINION – No bitchin’ allowed
Community NewsRoy Tripi to become principal of BHS on July 1
Community News
COMMUNITY CALENDAR:
Community Calendar – add an eventHomestead Fine Art Gallery First Fridays OPEN HOUSE
03 May 4:00 PM - 7:00 PMHomestead Fine Art Gallery First Fridays OPEN HOUSE
07 Jun 4:00 PM - 7:00 PMHomestead Fine Art Gallery First Fridays OPEN HOUSE
05 Jul 4:00 PM - 7:00 PMHomestead Fine Art Gallery First Fridays OPEN HOUSE
02 Aug 4:00 PM - 7:00 PMHomestead Fine Art Gallery First Fridays OPEN HOUSE
06 Sep 4:00 PM - 7:00 PMHomestead Fine Art Gallery First Fridays OPEN HOUSE
04 Oct 4:00 PM - 7:00 PM