“What Goes Up” is, at its core, a bleakly comedic exploration of unresolved trauma, presented through the fractured lens of journalism and the distorted reflection of an accident that reverberates through a small community. More than just a story about a reporter faking a feel-good piece, it’s a jarring commentary on the ways we process – or fail to process – grief, guilt, and the search for meaning in the face of inexplicable tragedy.
The Central Tragedy: Beyond the Feel-Good Facade
The film initially presents itself as a lighthearted story about a journalist, Campbell Babbitt (Steve Coogan), tasked with interviewing a group of aspiring teenage astronauts preparing to launch a weather balloon. However, this façade quickly crumbles after the balloon’s tether breaks and sends the teens spiraling to their deaths. This sudden and devastating event is the catalyst for Campbell’s subsequent unraveling and the exploration of the deeper, darker themes at the heart of the film. He isn’t just grieving the loss of these children; he is confronted with a past tragedy of his own, mirrored in their fate. The movie asks us to consider if healing is possible when built on deceit. Is it ever possible to reconcile a fraudulent exterior with profound inner turmoil? The film leans heavily towards a pessimistic answer, suggesting that the weight of unresolved emotional baggage will ultimately define us, no matter how hard we try to rewrite our narrative.
Deconstructing Campbell Babbitt: The Anti-Hero of Broken Dreams
Campbell Babbitt is far from a traditional protagonist. He’s a deeply flawed individual, haunted by a past he can’t escape. His decision to perpetuate the lie surrounding the teenagers’ deaths stems not just from ambition but from a profound desire to control the narrative, a desire born out of his own past failures. He sees a chance to create a positive story, a redemption arc not just for the town but perhaps for himself. This desire, however, is ultimately self-destructive.
The Symbolism of Flight and Gravity
The imagery of flight and gravity runs throughout the film. The teenagers’ ill-fated balloon launch is a metaphor for their aspirations, their dreams cut short. Campbell’s own life, much like the balloon, seems to be tethered to the ground by the weight of his past. He constantly strives to escape, to rise above his circumstances, but the gravitational pull of his trauma keeps him firmly rooted in his pain.
The Murky Morality of Small Towns
The film also paints a stark portrait of small-town dynamics. The residents of the town are portrayed as vulnerable, naive, and eager to believe in the fabricated narrative that Campbell provides. This collective denial highlights the lengths to which people will go to avoid confronting difficult truths. It suggests that sometimes, comforting lies are preferable to the harsh realities of life and death.
The Film’s Ambiguity: Leaving Room for Interpretation
“What Goes Up” is not a film that provides easy answers. It leaves much open to interpretation, forcing the viewer to grapple with uncomfortable questions about grief, truth, and the human condition. The ambiguous ending, in particular, is designed to provoke reflection. Is Campbell ultimately redeemed? Does he find peace? The film leaves these questions unanswered, suggesting that there are no easy resolutions to the complex problems it explores.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Here are some frequently asked questions about “What Goes Up” to further your understanding of the film:
1. What is the significance of the film’s title?
The title “What Goes Up” is multi-layered. On a literal level, it refers to the teenagers’ weather balloon. Metaphorically, it represents aspirations, hopes, and dreams. The implied follow-up question, “must come down,” suggests the inevitable return to reality, the confrontation with gravity and the consequences of our actions. It mirrors the cyclical nature of both life and grief.
2. Why does Campbell Babbitt perpetuate the lie about the teenagers?
Campbell’s motivations are complex. He’s driven by ambition, a desire for recognition, and a need to escape his own past. However, his actions are also fueled by a warped sense of empathy. He sees the pain and grief of the townspeople and believes he can offer them solace, even if it’s built on a foundation of lies. It’s a twisted form of self-preservation and control.
3. How does the film explore the theme of grief?
The film explores grief in a non-linear and often unsettling way. It portrays the different stages of grief – denial, anger, bargaining, depression, and acceptance – as being fluid and interconnected. Characters cope with their loss in various ways, some through denial, others through anger, and still others through seeking solace in fabricated narratives. The film suggests that there is no right or wrong way to grieve, but that facing the truth is essential for healing, however painful that may be.
4. What is the role of the character Lucy Diamond (Olivia Thirlby) in the film?
Lucy Diamond represents innocence corrupted. Initially, she’s presented as a vulnerable and impressionable teenager who is drawn to Campbell’s charisma. However, as the film progresses, she becomes increasingly disillusioned with him and with the lies he’s perpetuating. She ultimately serves as a moral compass, forcing Campbell to confront the consequences of his actions.
5. Is “What Goes Up” a comedy or a tragedy?
The film defies easy categorization. It blends elements of both comedy and tragedy, creating a tone that is often unsettling and darkly humorous. The comedic moments are often juxtaposed with scenes of profound sadness and loss, highlighting the absurdity and the fragility of life. It’s perhaps best described as a tragic comedy, or a darkly comedic tragedy.
6. What is the significance of Campbell’s past trauma?
Campbell’s past trauma, while not explicitly detailed, is a driving force behind his actions. It’s implied that he experienced a significant loss earlier in his life, which has left him emotionally scarred and unable to fully connect with others. This past trauma fuels his need to control the narrative and his desire to escape his own pain.
7. How does the film portray the media?
The film presents a cynical view of the media, highlighting the pressure to create sensational stories and the willingness to sacrifice truth in pursuit of a compelling narrative. Campbell’s actions are a reflection of this pressure, showcasing the ethical compromises that journalists sometimes make in their quest for success.
8. What is the meaning of the film’s ending?
The ending of “What Goes Up” is deliberately ambiguous. It’s left to the viewer to decide whether Campbell ultimately finds redemption or remains trapped in his cycle of deceit and self-destruction. This ambiguity is intended to provoke reflection and to highlight the complexity of human nature.
9. What are some of the major themes explored in the film?
Major themes explored in the film include grief, loss, trauma, truth, deception, the media, and the search for meaning in a seemingly senseless world. The film grapples with these themes in a complex and often unsettling way, challenging the viewer to confront uncomfortable truths about the human condition.
10. How does the film use symbolism?
The film employs various symbols to enhance its thematic depth. The weather balloon symbolizes aspirations and dreams; the open sky represents freedom and possibility; and the crash of the balloon signifies the shattering of those dreams. Campbell’s addiction to medication can symbolize his denial.
11. How does the film use the setting of a small town to tell its story?
The small town setting enhances the themes of isolation, community, and collective denial. In a small town, everyone knows everyone, and the impact of a tragedy is felt more deeply. The town’s vulnerability and eagerness to believe in Campbell’s fabricated narrative underscore the power of suggestion and the desire for hope in the face of despair.
12. Is “What Goes Up” worth watching?
Despite its dark and often unsettling tone, “What Goes Up” is a thought-provoking and ultimately rewarding film. It offers a nuanced and unflinching exploration of complex themes, forcing the viewer to confront uncomfortable truths about grief, loss, and the human condition. It’s a film that stays with you long after the credits roll, prompting reflection and discussion. It’s a cautionary tale about the perpetual quest for meaning when the ground beneath us gives way. Ultimately, the film’s value rests on its ability to spark self-reflection on the human condition.