In 2017, Jordan Peele’s directorial debut, “Get Out,” took the world by storm with its innovative storytelling and social commentary. The film’s screenplay, also written by Peele, received widespread critical acclaim and was awarded the Academy Award for Best Original Screenplay. Peele’s ability to seamlessly blend horror, humor, and social commentary in the script is a testament to his skill as a writer. In this blog post, we will deconstruct the “Get Out” script and explore how Peele crafted a compelling and thought-provoking story that resonated with audiences worldwide.
Deconstructing the Get Out Script: Exploring the Concept of “The Sunken Place”
Jordan Peele’s “Get Out” script is an unconventional horror film that defies genre conventions and offers a fresh take on the horror genre. At the core of the film’s unique premise is the concept of “The Sunken Place,” a metaphorical space where the protagonist, Chris, is trapped after being hypnotized by his girlfriend’s family. The idea of a psychological prison that holds the protagonist captive but allows him to witness the horrors around him was a key factor in making “Get Out” a standout film.
The Sunken Place is an allegory for the systemic racism that permeates American society. By portraying Chris’s captivity in a psychological space, Peele highlights how racial oppression can be invisible and difficult to escape. This unique premise sets the stage for a horror film that goes beyond mere jump scares and gore and tackles more complex themes.
In developing the concept of The Sunken Place, Peele drew inspiration from his own experiences as a black man in America. He has stated in interviews that the idea of a “sunken place” represents the feeling of being “marginalized, silenced and having your voice taken away.” Peele’s use of this metaphorical space adds a layer of depth and complexity to the film, elevating it beyond a typical horror movie.
The concept of The Sunken Place is also visually striking, with its dark, empty void and the image of Chris’s consciousness slowly sinking into it. This imagery reinforces the feeling of helplessness and confinement that Chris experiences throughout the film. Additionally, the use of a hypnotic induction scene to put Chris in The Sunken Place is an inventive way to introduce the concept to the audience and add to the film’s tension.
The idea of The Sunken Place also offers a unique narrative device for the film’s climax. Chris is eventually able to use his knowledge of the hypnosis technique to trap his captors in The Sunken Place, a reversal of his own experience earlier in the film. This satisfying resolution shows how Peele’s innovative concept not only adds depth to the film’s themes but also serves as a crucial plot point.
Deconstructing the Get Out Script: Analyzing the Protagonist, Antagonist, and Supporting Characters
“Get Out” is a film that relies heavily on its characters to drive the story forward. Jordan Peele’s script carefully develops multi-dimensional characters who not only serve the plot but also convey the film’s underlying themes. In this section, we will analyze the protagonist, antagonist, and supporting characters and how Peele developed them to create a compelling and thought-provoking film.
The protagonist of the film is Chris Washington, a young black man who is dating a white woman, Rose Armitage. Chris is a photographer who is initially apprehensive about meeting Rose’s family but is convinced to do so after she assures him that they are not racist. Chris is a complex character who is both vulnerable and resourceful. He is a victim of racism and microaggressions throughout the film, but he is also able to use his intelligence and wit to outsmart his captors. Peele’s development of Chris is crucial in making the film’s social commentary resonate with the audience.
The antagonist of the film is the Armitage family, who have been abducting black people and transplanting their consciousness into white bodies. The Armitages are the embodiment of the insidious nature of racism, and Peele uses their characters to explore the concept of white privilege. The family members are portrayed as liberal and accepting, but their actions reveal their true intentions. Peele’s development of the Armitage family highlights the dangers of performative allyship and the ways in which even seemingly progressive individuals can uphold systemic oppression.
The supporting characters in the film are also well-developed, with each one serving a unique purpose in the story. Rod Williams, Chris’s best friend, serves as comic relief and a voice of reason. Georgina and Walter, the Armitage family’s black servants, are initially portrayed as subservient but are later revealed to be trapped in The Sunken Place. Their characters add an extra layer of complexity to the film’s exploration of racial oppression. Finally, Logan King, a black man who is dating Rose’s brother, serves as a red herring, adding to the film’s tension and mystery.
Peele’s development of multi-dimensional characters is not limited to the film’s main cast. The film’s minor characters, such as the police officer who pulls over Chris and Rose and the party guests, all contribute to the film’s exploration of racial tension and microaggressions. Peele’s ability to create a fully-realized world with complex characters highlights his skill as a writer and director.
Deconstructing the Get Out Script: The Role of Comic Relief in Tension-Building Scenes
One of the most striking aspects of “Get Out” script is its use of humor as a narrative tool. Jordan Peele’s script cleverly employs moments of comic relief to ease tension in the film’s most intense scenes. In this section, we will examine the role of comic relief in “Get Out” and how it contributes to the film’s overall effectiveness.
One of the most memorable instances of comic relief in the film is the character of Rod Williams, Chris’s best friend. Rod is a TSA agent who serves as a voice of reason throughout the film. His humorous one-liners and exaggerated reactions provide moments of levity in an otherwise dark story. Rod’s character serves as a buffer for the audience, allowing them to momentarily forget the horror of Chris’s situation and enjoy a laugh.
Peele’s use of humor in the film is not limited to Rod’s character. Moments of comic relief are scattered throughout the film, such as when Chris is trying to discreetly photograph Logan King’s nosebleed or when he is caught in a hypnotic trance. These moments serve to break the tension and provide a much-needed respite from the film’s otherwise relentless tension.
The use of humor as a narrative tool is not a new concept in horror films. Many horror films use comic relief to alleviate tension and make the film more palatable to audiences. However, Peele’s use of humor in “Get Out” is particularly effective due to the film’s exploration of racial tension. By juxtaposing humor with horror, Peele creates a unique tone that is both unsettling and entertaining.
Furthermore, the use of humor in “Get Out” also serves a thematic purpose. The film’s underlying message is that racism is insidious and pervasive, and often hidden behind a façade of progressiveness. The use of humor in the film highlights this idea by demonstrating that even in moments of levity, racism can still rear its ugly head. For example, when Rose’s family is playing bingo, the subtle racial microaggressions are masked by the veneer of friendly competition.
Deconstructing the Get Out Script: Analyzing the Role of the Deer and Other Symbols in the Film
One of the hallmarks of a great horror film is its ability to build tension and suspense. “Get Out” is no exception, as it expertly employs foreshadowing and symbolism to keep the audience on the edge of their seats. In this section, we will examine the role of foreshadowing and symbolism in “Get Out,” with a focus on the deer and other recurring symbols in the film.
The deer is a recurring symbol throughout “Get Out,” and its appearance in the opening scene foreshadows the film’s themes of violence and exploitation. In the scene, Chris and Rose hit a deer on their way to her parents’ house, which sets the tone for the rest of the film. The deer is a symbol of innocence and vulnerability, and its death serves as a warning of the violence to come.
Another recurring symbol in the film is the teacup, which represents the film’s themes of mind control and manipulation. The teacup is a vessel that is used to deliver the hypnosis that puts Chris into the “sunken place.” The teacup is also a symbol of the white upper class’s obsession with appearances, as it is a delicate and ornate object that is carefully curated to present a certain image.
The use of symbolism in “Get Out” is not limited to objects. The characters themselves are also symbols of larger societal issues. For example, Rose’s character represents the concept of the “woke” white ally, who claims to be anti-racist but ultimately perpetuates systemic racism. The Armitage family represents the insidious nature of racism, as they mask their violent and exploitative behavior with a veneer of progressiveness.
Peele’s use of symbolism in “Get Out” is particularly effective because it is subtle and layered. The symbols are not heavy-handed or obvious, but instead serve to deepen the film’s themes and create a sense of unease in the audience. The use of symbols also allows the film to explore complex societal issues in a nuanced and engaging way.
In addition to symbolism, “Get Out” also employs foreshadowing to build tension and suspense. For example, the scene in which Chris is shown a picture of Rose’s grandfather is a foreshadowing of the revelation that the older Armitages transplant their brains into the bodies of young black people. The film’s use of foreshadowing creates a sense of dread and anticipation in the audience, as they wait for the other shoe to drop.
Deconstructing the Get Out Script: The Significance of the Film’s Racial Themes
“Get Out” is a horror film that delves into the complex issue of racism in America. Through its exploration of the black experience, the film delivers powerful social commentary that is both timely and thought-provoking. In this section, we will examine the significance of the film’s racial themes and how they contribute to its impact as a work of horror and social commentary.
One of the most significant aspects of “Get Out” is its unflinching portrayal of racism. The film exposes the subtle ways in which racism can manifest, such as the Armitage family’s fetishization of black bodies and their attempt to control Chris’s mind and body. The film also explores the ways in which well-meaning white people can perpetuate systemic racism, such as Rose’s character, who claims to be anti-racist but ultimately exploits Chris for her own gain.
Through its exploration of racism, “Get Out” provides a commentary on the black experience in America. The film captures the anxiety and fear that many black people feel in predominantly white spaces, as well as the trauma of being dehumanized and objectified by white people. By highlighting these experiences, the film provides a window into the reality of black life in America and forces the audience to confront the ways in which racism permeates our society.
Another significant aspect of “Get Out” is its exploration of the concept of “double consciousness.” The term, coined by W.E.B. Du Bois, refers to the experience of being black in a predominantly white society and feeling like you are constantly viewing yourself through the eyes of others. This concept is explored in the film through Chris’s experience, as he navigates the white world of the Armitage family and tries to maintain his sense of self. Through Chris’s journey, the film provides a commentary on the psychological toll of racism and the ways in which it can shape one’s identity.
“Get Out” also explores the idea of white guilt and how it can manifest in harmful ways. The Armitage family represents a type of liberal, well-meaning white person who claims to be anti-racist but ultimately perpetuates systemic racism. The film exposes the insidious nature of white guilt, which can often lead to performative allyship and a lack of real action to dismantle systemic oppression.
Through its exploration of these themes, “Get Out” delivers a powerful social commentary that is both relevant and necessary. The film forces the audience to confront the ways in which racism operates in our society and the ways in which we can all perpetuate it, even unintentionally. By using horror as a vehicle for social commentary, “Get Out” creates a visceral and impactful experience that lingers long after the credits roll.
Deconstructing the Get Out Script: Analyzing the Film’s Final Act and Its Implications
“Get Out” is a film that builds tension throughout, and its climax is no exception. In this section, we will analyze the film’s final act and its implications, including the significance of the film’s twist ending and its message about the potential for societal change.
The film’s final act begins with Chris realizing the true extent of the Armitage family’s sinister plans. As he attempts to escape, the tension ramps up, and the film delivers one of its most memorable scenes – the hypnosis sequence in which Chris is sent to the “sunken place.” This scene is a masterclass in tension-building, and it cements the film’s status as a work of horror.
The film’s climax is perhaps most notable for its twist ending. After a thrilling and suspenseful chase sequence, in which Chris kills the remaining members of the Armitage family, the film concludes with Chris being rescued by his friend Rod. However, the audience is then confronted with the revelation that the police officer who arrives on the scene is a white man, which raises the question of whether Chris will be arrested or even killed for defending himself.
The twist ending of “Get Out” is significant for several reasons. Firstly, it subverts the audience’s expectations and delivers a satisfying conclusion that is simultaneously thought-provoking and unexpected. Secondly, it highlights the ongoing issue of police brutality against black people and the systemic racism that permeates law enforcement.
The film’s final act also has implications for the potential for societal change. By exposing the insidious nature of racism and the ways in which it operates, “Get Out” provides a call to action for viewers to confront and dismantle systemic oppression. The film’s portrayal of white people who claim to be anti-racist but ultimately perpetuate racism highlights the need for genuine action and not just performative allyship.
Furthermore, the film’s use of horror as a vehicle for social commentary provides a unique and impactful way of delivering its message. By using horror to explore the black experience in America and the psychological toll of racism, “Get Out” creates a visceral and memorable experience that lingers long after the credits roll.
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