Downsizing - Review
A film with so much potential but no idea what to do with it. In the latest from director Alexander Payne (Election, Nebraska, The Descendants) with a script by Payne and his writing partner Jim Taylor, Downsizing introduces a near future that discovers a way to shrink humans. In a process known as “downsizing” (roll credits), scientist have plan on reducing waste in hopes of saving the planet. As the film progresses, it becomes unclear whether anyone really cares. Not only does this describe the characters, but also describes the audience watching the film. Downsizing lags without a purpose, throwing in ideas without fully fleshing any of them out. It was like watching a film adaptation of an essay I wrote in high school. The plot is bloated and messy, never really leading anywhere.
There is no strong, singular vision to the story, most notable in the protagonist. Matt Damon’s Paul has no defining traits, he’s just a bland average Joe. It doesn’t seem to be Damon’s fault. There’s just no motivation for the guy, no drive within the character. It’s a shame because the film sets him up to be this caring, sympathetic guy but never taps into the potential. Paul is never likable, never an interesting conduit for the story. As described by his neighbor Dusan (Christoph Waltz), he’s “pathetic.”
After the introduction of the downsizing lifestyle, the film begins to gain some steam with Waltz’ Dusan. An affluent party man, Waltz helps the film shift into gear. It’s questionable whether Dusan even fits the tone that Payne has set. Nonetheless, Waltz injects character and liveliness to a shockingly bland film.
The biggest talking point of the film is Hong Chau’s Ngoc Lan Tran, a Vietnamese protester who was locked up and forcibly downsized and sent to America. Finding a new home in America, she decides to help out the struggling downsized. Chau has already built up Oscar buzz, collecting numerous award nominations including the trifecta from SAG, Golden Globes and Critic’s Choice. Hopefully the Oscar nomination is in her future because Hong Chau is the standout and life saver of the film.
Many criticize Chau’s role as a stereotype due to her accent and broken English. As an Asian American, I find it hysterical that all the critiques come from white people who are disturbed that the film uses an immigrant’s broken English as punchlines. As an Asian American, I didn’t find the accent to be funny. I found it authentic. Ngoc Lan Tran is a Vietnamese protector who was sent to prison, forcibly downsized and shipped to America inside a TV box. When is she supposed to refine her English? During her travels within a box with 13 dead and 2 seriously injured forced immigrants (sorry, spoiler alert!)? Although the character has a bare minimum grasp on English, her intentions shine much clearer than any other character’s. She’s blunt, she’s determined, she’s much more fleshed out and defined than any other character in the film. Chau brings a heart, spirit and spunk to the role that speaks louder than her accent, making the film worth a watch. She is the reason to watch the film.
(Side note, Chau delivers one of my favorite uses of the word “fuck” in film)
Although Chau and Waltz add some balls to the film, it’s wasted in the final act. The final part of the film feels forced, never leading to anything believable, notable or even memorable. In the process, the message gets foggy again, taking all the momentum and tripping right before the finish line.
Every acclaimed director/writer has a couple duds. After twenty years in the business, Payne has found his. However, the film is never truly a “payne” to watch (get it?). Waltz and a couple of fun cameos make Downsizing watchable. But two words elevate the film from a meh to a recommendation: Hong Chau.