Ari Aster has directed three features — “Hereditary,” “Midsommar” and “Beau is Afraid”. Which is his best? I’m of the opinion that, although all three are worth a watch, the quality progressively lessened with each release.
In a recent interview with Empire Magazine, Aster considers, without hesitation, ‘Beau’ as his best film. :
I consider the film to be a picaresque, and I think part of that tradition is a certain irreverence towards the integrity of any sort of narrative structure […] The film is designed to kind of shapeshift a lot. I would say that it’s the film I’m proudest of. I think it’s the best filmmaking that I’ve done. I love the film, and I really hope that people continue to find it.
An odd choice given that ‘Beau’ was met with the worst reviews of Aster’s career, but it does make sense. It’s a no-holds-barred statement. His whole unadulterated vision is up there on the screen in this one.
‘Beau’ has also been Aster’s passion project for over a decade now. The fact that he actually convinced A24 to make this $40 million movie is some kind of miracle.
My pick for Aster’s best is “Hereditary.” The first time I saw that film was at its 2018 Sundance premiere. I left the theater, and immediately went back to my hotel to write a review of what I’d just seen.
Soon after. A24 told me Aster had read the review. They quickly picked it up and quoted me in the film’s trailer and poster. It was one of the most exciting discoveries of a new talent I had ever experienced at that festival.
Five years later, Aster is a household name for cinephiles — he still inspires heated debates over his works. Some believe “Midsommar” and “Beau is Afraid” will age very well over time and others believe he’s a filmmaker that will flame out.
Aster was supposed to shoot “Eddington” this coming fall, starring Joaquin Phoenix, but production has been delayed due to the strike. Both Phoenix and Aster were recently seen scouting locations for the film in New Mexico.