How Ari Aster elevated Horror to new heights
- pia kabott
- 20. Jan. 2024
- 11 Min. Lesezeit
Aktualisiert: 24. Jan. 2024
In the ever-evolving landscape of horror cinema, Ari Aster has emerged as a groundbreaking filmmaker who has successfully elevated the genre to new and unprecedented heights. Known for his unique storytelling, psychological depth, and penchant for triggering inner emotions, Aster has become a driving force in reshaping the horror narrative.
Aster's cinematic journey transcends any single film and encompasses a body of work that consistently challenges the conventions of traditional horror. His directorial debut, "Hereditary" was indeed a turning point, but throughout his filmography we see a deep commitment to pushing the boundaries of the genre. From the disturbing family dynamics of “Hereditary” to the folk-horror of “Midsommar,” to his newest experiment "Beau is Afraid", Aster creates narratives that go beyond mere horrors and delve into the complexities of the human condition.
What sets Aster apart is his ability to combine horror with intellectual depth, exploring themes of grief, trauma and existential dread. His films serve as poignant reflections on societal fears and present audiences with more than just monsters lurking in the shadows. Aster's approach often involves atmospheric tension, a conscious decision to create a lingering sense of unease that lasts well beyond the screen.
As we delve into the complex tapestry of Aster's filmography, we witness a director who challenges the status quo and prefers psychological terror to conventional horror. In this exploration, we discover the nuanced craftsmanship that positions Ari Aster as a visionary force shaping the future of horror cinema and captivating audiences with narratives that go beyond the superficial and plumb the depths of our deepest fears and existential insecurities.
Hereditary (2018)
"Hereditary is one of the most unnerving, unsettling, and bone-chilling films I've ever seen." - PointBreakFan via Letterboxd
In the spooky world of scary movies, Ari Aster is like a master artist, painting with fear and creating something extraordinary. His first work, "Hereditary," is a super creepy story that takes you on a wild ride, way beyond what you'd expect from a typical horror flick.
The narrative unfolds with the Graham family, a seemingly ordinary unit haunted by the specter of tragedy. At its core is Annie Graham, portrayed with visceral brilliance by Toni Collette. Her performance is a tour de force, capturing the unraveling psyche of a mother grappling with the complexities of family, loss, and an inherited darkness that refuses to be ignored. Collette’s portrayal is a tightrope walk between the mundane and the supernatural, her emotional depth and range transforming scenes of domesticity into moments of profound horror.
Aster's directorial finesse in "Hereditary" goes beyond just telling a story; it involves a meticulous crafting of visual elements that enrich the narrative. The use of miniatures in the film is a striking example of this. Annie creates detailed miniature models that mirror the Graham family's reality. These miniatures become a visual metaphor for the lack of control the characters have over their own lives. The precision with which these models are constructed parallels the careful construction of the film's narrative.
Now, let's delve into the recurring motif of decapitation, a symbol that takes on a profound meaning throughout the movie. The film opens with a funeral eulogy for Annie's mother, setting the stage for the eerie atmosphere that will permeate the story. The revelation of the old woman's secretive rituals and mysterious life establishes an immediate sense of foreboding. The beheading of a pigeon during this scene is a potent visual cue, foreshadowing the disturbing motif that unfolds.
As the story progresses, instances of decapitation become both symbolically and literally significant. The shocking and gruesome accident involving Annie's daughter, Charlie, becomes a pivotal moment. The decapitation of the young girl is not just a horrifying event in itself but also a culmination of the recurring motif, linking back to the opening scene and the ominous funeral eulogy. This symbolism isn't merely a shock tactic but a narrative thread woven into the story, connecting the characters and their fates in a macabre dance of inevitability. The repeated use of decapitation serves as a visceral representation of the characters' loss of identity, both individually and as a family unit. It's a visual manifestation of the destructive forces that linger within the Graham family's history. Aster's choice to revisit this motif throughout the film adds layers of meaning, creating a sense of unease that builds towards the shocking climax.
The cinematography is a dance of shadows and symbolism, transforming the ordinary into the extraordinary. Scenes like the classroom diorama, crafted by Annie as an artistic expression of her family's history, mirror the sinister puppeteering that seems to manipulate their lives. The camera serves as an accomplice, lingering on seemingly innocuous details that later reveal themselves as harbingers of impending dread. It's a slow burn that permeates the atmosphere with an extreme tension, a deliberate pacing that allows the horror to leak into the viewers' subconscious.
"Hereditary" is an example of horror that slowly transcends the supernatural.Ari Aster strategically embeds these supernatural elements to amplify the psychological horror at the heart of the narrative. The presence of an otherworldly force haunting the Graham family is not merely a device for scares; it's a manifestation of inherited trauma and the weight of familial legacies. The film blurs the lines between the supernatural and the psychological, suggesting that the true horror lies not only in external entities but in the twisted bonds that tie generations together. The supernatural occurrences act as a mirror reflecting the darker aspects of the family's history, pushing the characters and the audience to confront the haunting echoes of their own past.
The ultimate symbol for these supernatural occurrences is the mysterious treehouse, a symbolic space that holds profound meaning in the context of "Hereditary." This structure serves as a metaphorical element, connecting the characters to a hidden realm of occult knowledge and ancestral secrets. Throughout the film, the treehouse is glimpsed but remains shrouded in mystery, much like the deeper layers of the Graham family's history. As the narrative unfolds, the treehouse becomes a symbolic convergence point for the supernatural forces at play, acting as a gateway between the earthly and the ethereal. It's not just a physical location; it's a metaphorical space representing the inescapable ties to a dark legacy. The treehouse serves as a chilling reminder that some secrets are not meant to be buried, and the past, like the ominous structure itself, looms large over the characters' fates. In essence, the treehouse becomes a haunting symbol of the inescapable forces that lurk within the shadows of the Graham family's lineage, ultimately leading to a nightmarish climax.
In the grand tapestry of horror, "Hereditary" stands as a cinematic exorcism, forcing us to confront our deepest fears and the unsettling realization that the true horror may be the demons within. "Hereditary" concludes with a haunting revelation as the intricate web of horror, family secrets, and the supernatural unravels. The Graham family, unwittingly trapped in a generational curse orchestrated by a secretive cult, discovers their inescapable connection to the malevolent demon Paimon. The treehouse becomes the focal point for a ritual that solidifies Paimon's presence on Earth. The climax unveils the artful misdirection employed by Aster, as the audience is led down unexpected paths, building toward a shocking resolution that underscores the film's exploration of the unpredictable and chilling forces embedded within family legacies. The ending, with its complexity and psychological depth, leaves an indelible mark, inviting contemplation on the intersection of familial darkness and supernatural horror.
2. Midsommar (2019)
"Proof that it isn't impossible to make an effective horror in complete sunlight." - elvisthealien via Letterboxd
In Ari Aster's cinematic universe, "Midsommar" emerges as a masterpiece that further cements his position as a master of horror. Released as Aster's second feature film following the critically acclaimed Hereditary, "Midsommar" represents a significant departure from traditional horror tropes, offering a surreal and sunlit exploration of psychological terror. In this chapter of Aster's filmography, we delve into the intricacies of Midsommar to find out how the director continues to take the horror genre to new levels with his visionary storytelling and avant-garde approach.
Midsommar is a fascinating tapestry of horror, folk traditions and an unsettling sense of beauty. In contrast to the conventional darkness associated with horror, Aster chooses the bright day of a Swedish summer as the backdrop for this disturbing story. The film follows emotionally broken Dani (played by Florence Pugh) as she embarks on a journey with her boyfriend Christian (played by Jack Reynor) and his friends to attend the unique Midsummer festival of a rural Swedish commune. What follows is a surreal descent into a world that blurs the lines between ancient rituals, communal belonging and emotional horror.
One of the defining elements of Midsommar is Aster's ability to use the rural setting and seemingly idyllic rituals as a facade for the underlying psychological horror. The community known as Hårga practices rituals that are both fascinating and deeply disturbing. For example, the “Ättestupa” ceremony, in which older members willingly jump to their deaths as part of the cycle of life, is a clear example of Aster's tireless exploration of human rituals and the emotional impact they can have on the audience. The juxtaposition of the tranquil landscape and the brutal acts creates an unsettling contrast that challenges the viewer to question their own preconceptions about horror.
Aster's mastery of visual storytelling is clearly evident in Midsommar, with each image carefully composed to evoke specific emotional responses. The use of vivid and surreal imagery, such as the iconic maypole dance sequence, demonstrates Aster's commitment to creating horror through an aesthetic that defies traditional norms. The sun-drenched cinematography, in collaboration with cinematographer Pawel Pogorzelski, becomes a character in itself, giving the proceedings an unsettling glow and heightening the tension inherent in the narrative.
The characters in “Midsommar” serve as conduits for the exploration of psychological horror. Dani's emotional journey, from the trauma of a family tragedy to her strained relationship with Christian, comes into focus. Aster masterfully integrates Dani's personal turmoil into the communal rituals, blurring the boundaries between individual horror and the collective fear that permeates the Hårga. Florence Pugh's nuanced performance adds multiple layers to the character, allowing the audience to empathize with Dani's emotional struggles while also feeling the troubling undertones of the communal rituals.
The dissolution of the relationship between Dani and Christian is a crucial thematic element in “Midsommar.” As the couple navigates the complexities of their bond amid the surreal events of the festival, Aster analyzes the dynamics of relationships in extreme circumstances. The couple's shared expectations, coupled with the hallucinogenic experiences, lead to an emotional climax that blurs the lines between catharsis and horror. Aster's exploration of the breakdown of personal relationships within the context of the Hårga's rituals adds a layer of emotional horror that eventually destroys their relationship as Christian gets sacrificed in the fire as Dani becomes Mayqueen and brings new blood to the Hårga.
The concept of collective trauma and shared experiences is woven into the fabric of “Midsommar.” The commune's emphasis on communal life and shared emotions challenges the individualistic nature of Western society. The ritual practices, such as the shared psychedelic experiences and the communal grieving process, create an eerie sense of unity that resonates with the film's broader themes. Aster skillfully uses these communal elements to evoke a sense of horror that transcends the personal and becomes a reflection of societal fears and anxieties.
3. Beau is Afraid (2023)
"BEAU IS AFRAID is a visionary achievement, and a gloriously demented odyssey of epic proportions. Ari Aster masterfully crafts a unique atmosphere with big, bold swings that don't always work, but thrive in a state of perpetual insanity to result in an unforgettable experience." - thediegoandaluz via Letterboxd
Aster's ability to transform everyday occurrences into sources of profound terror is one of the key elements that sets him apart as a horror filmmaker. In "Beau is Afraid," this is evident in the way he portrays the darkness. The darkness is not merely a lack of light; it is a living entity, a menacing presence that lurks just beyond the edges of Beau's vision. This transformation of the mundane into the macabre is achieved through a number of techniques
Throughout the film, Beau's imagination transforms shadows into lurking monsters and distorted reflections into monstrous faces. This creates a sense of constant dread, as the audience is never quite sure what they might see out of the corner of their eye.
Additionally, the film is filled with eerie silences punctuated by sudden, unsettling sounds. These sounds serve to heighten the tension and make the audience feel as if they are being watched.
Also, the film's dark, claustrophobic atmosphere mirrors Beau's growing sense of isolation and fear. This feeling is further amplified by the use of tight close-ups and handheld camerawork.
Aster's films are not merely about cheap thrills and jump scares; they are about delving into the deepest recesses of the human psyche, exploring the fears and anxieties that lurk beneath the surface. In "Beau is Afraid," this is evident in the way the film examines Beau's fear of the dark. Beau's fear is not merely a fear of the dark; it is a fear of the unknown, a fear that reflects the universal experience of childhood uncertainty. As the film progresses, Beau's fear becomes increasingly debilitating, interfering with his daily life and relationships. This parallels the way that fears can take hold of us and dictate our behavior, even as adults.
Aster's use of symbolism and imagery is integral to his exploration of psychological horror. In "Beau is Afraid," the imagery of shadows, mirrors, and distorted reflections serves to amplify Beau's paranoia and anxiety. Shadows represent the hidden dangers that lurk just out of sight, while mirrors and distorted reflections represent Beau's distorted perception of himself and the world around him.
Aster's horror films are not merely about scaring the audience; they are also commentaries on society, family dynamics, and the human condition. In "Beau is Afraid," the film's exploration of childhood fears becomes a metaphor for the societal pressures and expectations that weigh heavily on children. Beau's fear of the dark, which is initially portrayed as a personal issue, is gradually revealed to be a symptom of a broader societal anxiety. The film suggests that children are often forced to grow up too quickly and take on far too much responsibility, which can lead to feelings of fear and isolation.
Aster's masterful use of sound and music is another key element in his films' effectiveness. The film's score, composed by Colin Stetson, is a haunting and atmospheric blend of traditional horror motifs and experimental electronic sounds. The use of silence is equally effective, creating moments of tension and suspense that make the film's scares all the more impactful.
Ari Aster's "Beau is Afraid" is a masterful exploration of childhood fears and the fragility of the human psyche. The film is not merely scary; it is also thought-provoking and deeply unsettling. Aster's ability to transform everyday occurrences into sources of profound terror, his exploration of the deepest recesses of the human psyche, and his subversive commentary on society make him a true visionary in the horror genre. With "Beau is Afraid," he has once again demonstrated his ability to elevate horror to new heights and push the boundaries of the genre. He is shaping the future of horror filmmaking, and his work is sure to leave a lasting impression on audiences for years to come.
In conclusion, Ari Aster stands out as a transformative filmmaker, pushing the genre to new frontiers. Renowned for his distinctive storytelling and psychological depth, Aster's impact goes beyond his directorial debut, "Hereditary." As evidenced by his subsequent works, including the unconventional "Midsommar" and the recent venture "Beau is Afraid," Aster consistently challenges the conventions of traditional horror narratives.
What distinguishes Aster is his ability to seamlessly merge horror with intellectual depth, exploring themes such as grief, trauma, and existential angst. His films transcend the ordinary scare tactics, offering audiences narratives that linger in the recesses of their minds. The atmospheric tension he crafts, deliberately fostering a lingering sense of unease, showcases Aster's dedication to a nuanced and immersive horror experience.
Delving into Aster's filmography reveals a director who not only defies the status quo but also prefers psychological terror over conventional horror tropes. His meticulous craftsmanship positions him as a visionary force shaping the future of horror cinema. By delving into the complexities of our deepest fears and existential insecurities, Aster captivates audiences and leaves an indelible mark on the genre.
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