RE: Don't look up
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Your take on Don't Look Up is spot on! The film is a sharp satire of modern society, blending humor with a terrifyingly realistic portrayal of how we deal (or don't deal) with existential threats. It feels like a mirror held up to the absurdities of our time—whether it's the political ineptitude, media sensationalism, or the lack of urgency in addressing global crises like climate change and pandemics. And you're right, the characters feel like clear stand-ins for real-world figures like Elon Musk and Donald Trump, making the film all the more biting.
The way Don't Look Up frames the struggle of scientists—being celebrated one moment and discarded the next if they don't fit a certain narrative—feels painfully relevant. Leonardo DiCaprio's performance really captures the frustration and helplessness that so many experts must feel as they try to shout over the noise of disinformation and denial.
I love how you highlighted the film's generational divide, too. It plays into that broader theme of disconnect—whether it’s between scientists and politicians, or between those who care about real issues and those too consumed by the spectacle. The fact that it’s on Netflix only makes it more accessible to a wider audience, and as you said, mass appeal is where real cultural influence happens.
The ending, where Jennifer Lawrence’s character basically says, “Fuck it, we’re all gonna die,” encapsulates the film’s mix of nihilism and dark humor. It speaks to that overwhelming sense of futility so many people feel in the face of global challenges, yet it still manages to be a wake-up call.
It's not just a critique of politics or capitalism—it’s a critique of human nature, media culture, and how we tend to bury our heads in the sand rather than confront uncomfortable truths. Don't Look Up is definitely one of those films that leaves you thinking long after the credits roll.