Chapo Trap House Movie Mindset Bonus - Interview With Director Ari Aster
Jul 2, 2025
In this engaging conversation, Ari Aster, acclaimed director of Hereditary and Midsommar, dives deep into the intertwining of humor and discomfort in filmmaking. He discusses the balance between dark humor and horror, reflecting on how societal crises influence cinematic expression. Aster also explores the role of smartphones in shaping modern narratives and examines absurd conspiracy theories with a comedic twist. With insights on his upcoming film, Eddington, he reveals how nostalgia for iconic filmmakers feeds into his unique storytelling approach.
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Audience Reactions to Ari's Films
- Will Menaker shares personal unsettling experiences after watching Ari Aster's films, including sleep paralysis and strained friendships.
- He finds Bo is Afraid simultaneously hilarious and disturbing, calling it a masterpiece.
Evil Movies Reflect Real World
- Ari Aster sees the world as inherently evil, which inspires his love of "evil movies" creating unsafe atmospheres.
- He cites Peckinpah’s "Straw Dogs" as an example, favoring films that feel sick and unsafe.
Balancing Comedy with Torture
- Ari Aster admires the Coen brothers for piling catastrophe on characters, but contrasts their fun with his own self-torture.
- He aims for comedy and enjoyment, though some audiences find his films torturous.