Matt Damon Starrer Film Downsizing: A Science Fiction Comedy Drama
In all the movies, science fiction and comedy don’t usually go together, as well as in Alexander Payne’s “Downsizing.” This 2017 movie, starring the versatile Matt Damon, makes fun of how people these days are always looking for answers that are both big and questionable.
Even though the characters in “Downsizing” are small, the movie tries to send a vital lesson.
Film Overview
The movie shows us a world where experts have found a way to deal with global warming and too many people: “downsizing.” This permanent process shrinks people down to five inches tall, which makes a big difference in how much damage they do to the world.
Paul Safranek, played by Matt Damon, decides to undergo the surgery because he thinks it will improve his life. However, when his wife backs out, he is left alone in this new world.
Leading Cast Members
Matt Damon leads the group as Paul Safranek, an occupational therapist, has to go through the process of being laid off. Along with him are Christoph Waltz, a Serbian swindler named Dusan Mirkovic, and Hong Chau, a Vietnamese activist named Ngoc Lan Tran, who becomes friends with Paul in a strange way.
Audrey Safranek, played by Kristen Wiig, is Paul’s wife who leaves him after the surgery.
Movie Production
According to Alexander Payne and Jim Taylor, “Downsizing” was a project that was worked on for a long time. Filming took place in parts of the United States, Norway, and Ontario, Canada. Even though it had big goals, the movie didn’t do well at the box office, making only $55 million despite costing $68–76 million.
Fans’ Reviews
The movie got mixed reviews. Some liked the creative idea behind it, while others didn’t like how it was put together. Hong Chau was nominated for a Golden Globe for her outstanding performance.
This #EarthDay, we're honored to be nominated for the Environmental Media Awards. pic.twitter.com/8p4uvsEPNY
— Downsizing (@downsizingfilm) April 22, 2018
The National Board of Review named “Downsizing” one of the top ten movies of 2017, even though it had some problems.
“Downsizing” examines issues like capitalism, the environment, and the human state. It asks how far people are willing to go to solve their problems and what the moral consequences of such extreme actions would be.
Makers Team
The movie was made by Mark Johnson, Jim Taylor, and Alexander Payne. Phedon Papamichael shot it, and Rolfe Kent composed the music. Ad Hominem Enterprises and Gran Via Productions worked on the movie, and Paramount Pictures handled the release.
Where to Watch Downsizing?
“Downsizing” can be watched on a number of streaming services and bought on both digital and hard media.
Conclusion
The movie “Downsizing” tries to dream big by having small ideas. It’s a humorous journey that mixes science fiction with comedy and deals with some of the most critical problems of our time.
Even though it didn’t do as well at the box office as people had hoped, it’s still a thought-provoking film that shows how well Matt Damon can play complicated parts and how brave Alexander Payne is when he wants to push the limits of cinema.
Table of Contents