“Downsizing” is Alexander Payne’s attempt at splicing science-fiction and comedy with the infusion of social commentary and a loaded political agenda, and while the unique premise teased prospective audiences with its limitless possibilities, the end result fails at success with either of the intended genres. At an undisclosed time, overpopulation and global warming have brought mankind to a medical procedure called downsizing. The painless process shrinks human beings to a height of five inches, thus conserving massive amounts of space and resources and drastically eliminating waste. The downsizing process is permanent and irreversible.
Matt Damon stars as Paul Safranek, a typical forty-something with a boring life. Paul still resides in the house he grew up in, having cared for his ill mother for a time and now living with his impossible to please wife, Audrey (Kristen Wiig). As the world begins to tout the benefits of the now common downsizing, Paul and Audrey decide to take the plunge.
In a simple way, I could split downsizing into two distinct halves. In fact, I don’t think I have ever experienced a movie start with so much intrigue and then fall so quickly. At its onset, Matt Damon is terrific as Paul Safranek, as unlikely a protagonist as could be. He’s a typical guy who, like many Americans, is mired in a working class rut with stagnate wages, limited opportunities, and a seemingly helpless existence. As such, the shot of an easier life is appealing, and people with only a limited amount of money can buy in and live like kings after going through the procedure. Damon has a perfect demeanor for the part, and I think 90% of Americans who watch will sympathize with his story.
Damon is a great actor, and the comedy element is there from the open. We see the world raging in debates like Big vs. Small, with arguers poised on both sides, exactly how today’s misshapen world is. The small people are maligned like present day immigrants; taking jobs, changing the culture, but it’s done in such a satirical way you can’t help but chuckle. One hysterical scene depicts a miniaturized married couple played by Neil Patrick Harris and Laura Dern in a sales presentation pushing the advantages of their new downsized life.
“Downsizing” explores mankind’s near obsession with the latest trends and the desire to get something for nothing. The idea that people would subject themselves to a permanent miniaturization process just to have their wealth go a little further is hysterical, and sadly something I could envision happening in reality. It’s a direct slap in the face of the American capitalist philosophy and no matter which side of the aisle you fall on, you’ll understand when watching. As a friend who has gone through the process explains to Paul, it’s “crap about saving the planet. Downsizing is about saving yourself.”
Accompanying Damon is Kristen Wiig as his somewhat annoying wife Audrey. The SNL alum Wigg was obviously chosen because of her comical background, but she plays more of an ancillary role here. A great scene depicts the couple preparing for the procedure and going through the waiver signing process. You watch with a pit of fear that the people contemplating downsizing must be going through. I wont spoil it, but you just know what’s about to happen when the hand-holding couple are taken to separate areas of the hospital.
Where “Downsizing” lost me was the second half of the 2:15 movie. Once Paul becomes small, the size element, and science-fiction aspect are both completely irrelevant. What could have been a fascinating story if given the proper teeth becomes just another humdrum tale of a guy trying to pay his bills and do something more with his life. Paul meets an eccentric neighbor (Christoph Waltz) at a ravish party, and gets some valuable life lessons, but that they are both five inches tall is meaningless for the entire second half of the story. And the introduction of Paul’s downsized partner (Hong Chau) a Vietnamese political activist, is the complete ruination of any and all dialogue henceforth. Chau speaks with an abrasive and cacophonous accent that’s so sharp and shrill, its a thoroughly distracting and completely unfunny addition to the movie.
“Downsizing” is a sad waste of a truly interesting premise.
by – Matt DeCristo
