But does Eddington, Aster’s contemporary Western that morphs into a dark and twisted conspiracy thriller, actually have much to say about the dumbing down of America beyond that? Eddington is Aster’s follow-up to Beau is Afraid, and like his divisive absurd comedy, it features yet another glimpse into the director’s disturbed mind. The characters are all unlikable verging on downright detestable, particularly the film’s lead, Joe Cross. It’s in these surreal little touches where Aster feels more at home, but sadly these detours are simply that: detours. What of Joe Cross’ slogan, “Your being manipulated”?