Downsizing with Matt Damon, writer, director Alexander Payne

Downsizing with Matt Damon, writer, director Alexander Payne

This is an interesting film.

Well, up to a point.

After reaching a zenith, it is all going downhill.

It is like Downsizing and slowly eliminating the promising elements of the plot and venturing in what I see as a nebulous, even preposterous last chapter.

The start is really engaging.

There is humor and we also have themes to meditate on.

The earth is facing destruction.

Even if Trump and his rather silly supporters deny climate change, that is happening.

A solution to this problem is suggest by the film:

Downsizing!

In the sense that a scientist from Northern Europe has invented a method to make people...

Really small

Lilliputians

First of all, all the garbage of a town with little people fits in a small bag.

And we're talking everyday thrown away during one year.

So these individuals will save the planet.

On top of that, they can live in palaces and enjoy a lavish life.

These Taj Mahals are after all the size of small doll houses, when they are at their largest.

The hero, played by Matt Damon and his wife, portrayed by Kirsten Wiig, decide to have this new existence, in the lap of luxury.

And the wife is the one who was most attracted by large homes and comfort.

The problem is, the downsizing procedure involves shaving the head.

When she sees herself in the mirror, the spouse loses strength.

She does not have the courage to go ahead.

So she is stuck, better said she decides to stay on the other side.

The husband is now a Lilliputian and the wife is a Gulliver.

So their marriage is over.

The protagonist meets a woman from Vietnam.

She has fought bravely for democracy. Is involved in charity and admirable projects.

And yet, I hated her style.

The manner in which she barks orders. Supposed to be funny...

I guess.

But for this viewer is was nearly unbearable.

This character contributes a lot to the disappointment experienced by this viewer.

Then there is the neighbor.

Sometimes, the way that Christoph Waltz decides to play his roles works.

The personages can be outrageous, but also humorous.

Not this time.

If I conclude now, I would say that this promised to be so much better.

Like it is, after the initial twenty minutes, I would say it Downsizes and then Downsizes until very little is left to engage the audience.

But hey, I may be wrong.