A social satire in which a man realises he would have a better life if he were to shrink himself to five inches tall, allowing him to live in wealth and splendour. Read more …
It’s a state-of-the-nation address by stealth, wry and wide-reaching.
Payne’s lm is full of invention, wit, great scenes and big — if not fully realised — intentions. Downsizing may be about a small world, but it is an audacious, out-sized peach of a picture.
For all the high concept wonders at work, Payne can’t seem to break out of his own rut. Male self-pity is indulged once again.
Alexander Payne takes us down the rabbit hole of miniaturisation for a blisteringly brilliant film overwhelmed by its own implications.
The central idea never seems ridiculous and the special effects are never intrusive. The whole film is filled with clever ideas, whimsical distractions and poker-faced comic moments. However, it never quite gels into a convincing whole.
Matt Damon and director Alexander Payne squander the comic potential of this unwieldy high-concept satire.
Alexander Payne: 'It's a big idea you could take in myriad directions'
General release. Check local listings for show times.
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