Is 'Get Out' a reflection of Society?
Get Out
Directed & Written by Jordan Peele
(Cinematography by Toby Oliver)
In Theaters Now
From the moment I saw the trailer, I immediately knew that I needed to see this film in theaters. A racially charged horror film set in present day, with the current landscape of society being what it is? How could I not be excited? From the subject matter being based on the topic of race and comedian, Jordan Peele in the Director's chair, how could we not have a great film. Many people were confused due to horror & suspense not being Peele's area of expertise but to me, that was even more of a sign that we were in for a treat.
The mind of a comedian is often a complete 180 from the average person, finding humor in some of the most serious situations is what some would consider a twisted mentality. But as a creative, that skill is one to cherish. Warping reality to always reveal the positive side is a skill, as I'm sure many have heard, laughter is the most natural cure. That warping of reality is exactly what was needed to tackle this ever-relevant topic of interracial interaction, both socially and romantically.
SPOILER ALERT
From the start of the movie, you get a sense of the eerie nature that this film holds. Jordan Peele attacks the constant reality of Black males feeling unsafe in white neighborhoods when being trailed or watched by the neighbors. That fear immediately becomes real, which sets the tone for the rest of the film. After the intro credits roll, we are placed into the naive life of a relatively successful photographer going to visit his girlfriend's White family for the weekend. His overstated state of uncertainty is quickly downplayed by her smile and sarcasm, persistently being reassured that things will be all right. Throughout the film, her character was always quick to belittle his concerns, up until the final plot twist at the point of falling action. Once the trip begun, the mood was set at a high point, with jokes from comedian Lil Rey Howery but immediately brought back to an uncomfortable place once a police officer attempts to perform a "routine check", something most Black males have learned to just accept as the standard. Upon meeting the family he's met with a change in language, a way for her White father to attempt and connect, paired with the mention of his love for Obama as a means of easing any tension. From there the film begins to unravel, the conversation at dinner & the big family party reveal themselves to be a modern day minstrel show with the strong, healthy Black man getting paraded around as a prize. To avoid spoiling too much of the film, I will save the bulk of what happens next for you to view on your own. But in typical horror-parody fashion, the thrilling violence at the end felt reminiscent of the ending Django , sweet vengeance.
This movie is great because it not only addresses the larger topic of racial interaction but Jordan Peele did an amazing job at also pointing out the subtle nuances that these simple interactions hold. Daniel Kaluuya, the protagonist in the film, also did an excellent job at portraying the feeling that comes with these often awkward moments. And when the film got to the moments where we sat face to face with the reflection of how we interact with each other on a level of race, it only intensified the thrill, making the struggle of the main character feel more personal as a viewer. As the blogs are talking, Jordan Peele plans on attacking a plethora of social issues from the perspective of his sick, twisted mind in the form of a series of horror films. If 'Get Out' is any example, I will be in theaters on opening night for all of the remiander.