Ari Aster, the filmmaker known for his bold storytelling, faced unexpected criticism from his own father after the release of his film “Beau Is Afraid.” The movie’s underwhelming performance led to a candid conversation where Aster’s father advised him to focus solely on directing rather than screenwriting. Despite this advice, Aster continued to write and develop his next project, demonstrating his resilience and dedication to his craft.
A Father’s Candid Advice
During his appearance on the “WTF with Marc Maron” podcast, Ari Aster revealed that his father suggested he might be better off leaving the writing to others after “Beau Is Afraid” didn’t meet expectations. Aster recounted, “When ‘Beau Is Afraid’ flopped, my dad did tell me, ‘Uh, maybe you shouldn’t write the next one.’ He might’ve been right.” This advice came in the wake of the film’s disappointing box office results, highlighting the pressure directors and writers face in the industry.
Moving Forward with ‘Eddington‘
Despite the setback, Aster chose to persist with his dual role of screenwriter and director for his next project, “Eddington.” This new film, a small-town dramedy featuring Joaquin Phoenix and Pedro Pascal, was anticipated to mark a turning point for Aster and his collaboration with A24. The hope was that “Eddington” might resonate with audiences in a way “Beau Is Afraid” failed to achieve, thus overturning the perception of his screenwriting skills.
Reflections on a Challenging Experience
Aster opened up about the mixed reception of “Beau Is Afraid,” expressing his disappointment while acknowledging the few supportive messages he received. “I was pretty sad that it was, like, so maligned,” he shared. Despite the setback, those words of encouragement from fans helped him navigate the challenging aftermath. He reflected on the lessons learned, stating, “All these things you take away after you release a film…you’re proud of for sticking with [your choice], and then certain things where you’re like, ‘Eh, I’m not sure if it was worth losing that much of the audience for that decision.’”
Aster’s journey underscores the struggles and triumphs inherent in the creative process. Whether or not his father’s advice was sound, Aster’s decision to continue writing demonstrates his commitment to his artistic vision and his willingness to learn from each experience.
