Jordan Peele’s critically acclaimed film Get Out (2017) is a masterclass in storytelling, weaving together elements of horror, comedy, and social commentary to create a thought-provoking cinematic experience. The beginning scene of Get Out sets the tone for the rest of the film, introducing viewers to the protagonist, Chris Washington, and the eerie atmosphere that pervades the story. In this article, we’ll delve into the symbolism and social commentary present in the opening scene, exploring how it lays the groundwork for the film’s exploration of racism, identity, and the horrors of being an outsider.
Establishing the Protagonist: Chris Washington
The film opens on a shot of Chris Washington (played by Daniel Kaluuya), a young African American photographer, packing his bags for a weekend getaway to meet his white girlfriend’s family. Chris is nervous about the trip, and his anxiety is palpable as he prepares to leave his comfort zone behind. This initial scene serves as an introduction to Chris’s character, showcasing his vulnerability and apprehension about being in unfamiliar surroundings.
The Significance of Chris’s Photography
Chris’s profession as a photographer is more than just a plot device; it’s a symbol of his artistic expression and his desire to capture the world around him. Photography is a way for Chris to exert control over his environment, framing and capturing images that reflect his perspective. This theme is echoed throughout the film, as Chris’s photography becomes a means of documenting the strange occurrences that unfold.
The Use of Lighting and Composition
The opening scene features a mix of warm and cool lighting, with Chris’s apartment bathed in a cozy, golden glow. This contrast is significant, as it highlights the comfort and security of Chris’s urban environment. The composition of the shots is also noteworthy, with Peele using a mix of close-ups and medium shots to create a sense of intimacy and immediacy.
Introducing the Theme of Racism
As Chris prepares to leave for the weekend, he receives a call from his girlfriend, Rose (played by Allison Williams). Their conversation is laced with subtle tension, as Chris expresses his concerns about meeting her family. Rose reassures him, downplaying his worries and telling him that her family is “not racist.” This exchange sets the stage for the film’s exploration of racism, highlighting the ways in which microaggressions and subtle biases can be just as damaging as overt racism.
The Hypocrisy of Liberal Racism
The Armitage family, whom Chris is about to meet, embody the hypocrisy of liberal racism. On the surface, they appear to be progressive and open-minded, but as the film progresses, their true attitudes towards people of color are revealed. This dichotomy is a commentary on the ways in which racism can be perpetuated by those who claim to be allies, highlighting the need for greater self-awareness and accountability.
The Use of Humor as Social Commentary
Get Out uses humor as a way to comment on the absurdity of racism, often employing satire to highlight the hypocrisy of liberal racism. The film’s use of humor serves as a way to diffuse tension, making the subject matter more palatable and accessible to a wider audience.
The Road Trip: A Journey into the Unknown
As Chris and Rose embark on their road trip, the atmosphere shifts from one of comfort and familiarity to one of unease and uncertainty. The camera work becomes more frenetic, with a mix of handheld shots and point-of-view shots creating a sense of disorientation. This section of the film serves as a transition, marking Chris’s journey from the safety of his urban environment to the unknown territory of the Armitage family’s estate.
The Use of Music and Sound Design
The soundtrack for Get Out is a character in its own right, with Michael Abels’s score perfectly capturing the film’s eerie atmosphere. The use of music and sound design is particularly noteworthy during the road trip sequence, with the sound of the car’s GPS system and the hum of the engine creating a sense of tension and unease.
The Symbolism of the Deer
As Chris and Rose drive through the countryside, they hit a deer, which serves as a symbol of the destruction of innocence. The deer is a symbol of purity and naivety, and its death marks the beginning of Chris’s journey into the heart of darkness. This event also serves as a foreshadowing of the horrors that are to come, highlighting the idea that Chris is about to enter a world where he is no longer in control.
Conclusion
The beginning scene of Get Out sets the tone for the rest of the film, introducing viewers to the protagonist, Chris Washington, and the eerie atmosphere that pervades the story. Through its use of symbolism, social commentary, and clever camera work, the film establishes itself as a thought-provoking exploration of racism, identity, and the horrors of being an outsider. As we continue to unpack the themes and motifs present in Get Out, it becomes clear that the film is more than just a horror movie – it’s a commentary on the state of our society, and a call to action for greater self-awareness and accountability.
Final Thoughts
Get Out is a film that rewards multiple viewings, with each watch revealing new layers of symbolism and social commentary. As we reflect on the beginning scene, it’s clear that Peele’s masterful direction and writing have created a film that is both entertaining and thought-provoking. Whether you’re a fan of horror movies or simply looking for a film that will challenge your perspectives, Get Out is a must-see.
A Call to Action
As we continue to navigate the complexities of our society, it’s essential that we engage in open and honest discussions about racism and identity. Get Out serves as a catalyst for these conversations, encouraging viewers to think critically about the ways in which racism can be perpetuated. By exploring the themes and motifs present in the film, we can gain a deeper understanding of the ways in which we can work towards creating a more just and equitable society.
What is the significance of the opening scene in Get Out, and how does it set the tone for the rest of the film?
The opening scene of Get Out is significant because it introduces the audience to the protagonist, Chris Washington, and sets the tone for the rest of the film. The scene shows Chris preparing for a trip to meet his white girlfriend’s family, and it establishes the themes of racial tension and unease that are present throughout the movie. The scene also introduces the idea that Chris is aware of the potential dangers of being a black man in a predominantly white environment, which is a central theme of the film.
The tone of the opening scene is also noteworthy, as it is both humorous and unsettling at the same time. The scene’s use of music and camera angles creates a sense of unease, which is heightened by Chris’s nervous behavior. This tone is maintained throughout the film, as the audience is constantly left wondering what will happen next. The opening scene effectively sets the stage for the rest of the movie, introducing the audience to the themes and tone that will be explored in greater depth.
How does the film use symbolism in the opening scene to foreshadow the events that will unfold?
The film uses symbolism in the opening scene to foreshadow the events that will unfold. For example, the scene shows Chris packing a camera, which symbolizes his desire to capture and document his experiences. However, the camera also serves as a symbol of his outsider status, as he is constantly observing and documenting the world around him. Additionally, the scene shows Chris’s girlfriend, Rose, giving him a hypnotic tea, which symbolizes the way in which she will manipulate and control him throughout the film.
The opening scene also uses symbolism to foreshadow the theme of racial exploitation. The scene shows Chris’s phone being stolen, which symbolizes the way in which his identity and autonomy will be taken away from him. The scene also shows Chris’s reaction to the theft, which is one of frustration and powerlessness. This reaction foreshadows the way in which Chris will feel throughout the film, as he is constantly subjected to the whims of the white characters around him.
What commentary does the film offer on the experiences of black people in predominantly white environments?
The film offers a commentary on the experiences of black people in predominantly white environments by highlighting the ways in which they are often made to feel like outsiders. The film shows how Chris is constantly subjected to microaggressions and racist comments, which are often disguised as jokes or innocent questions. The film also shows how Chris is forced to navigate a world that is not designed for him, and how he is constantly made to feel like he does not belong.
The film also comments on the way in which black people are often expected to conform to white norms and expectations. The film shows how Chris is expected to be grateful for the opportunity to meet his girlfriend’s family, and how he is expected to fit in with their wealthy and privileged lifestyle. The film highlights the ways in which this expectation can be suffocating, and how it can lead to feelings of resentment and anger.
How does the film use social commentary to critique the liberal elite and their attitudes towards racism?
The film uses social commentary to critique the liberal elite and their attitudes towards racism by highlighting the ways in which they often perpetuate and enable racist behaviors. The film shows how the Armitage family, who are wealthy and liberal, use their privilege and power to exploit and manipulate Chris. The film also shows how they use their liberal credentials to deflect accusations of racism, and how they are often more concerned with appearing progressive than with actually addressing the issues of racism.
The film also comments on the way in which the liberal elite often tokenize and fetishize black people. The film shows how the Armitage family are fascinated by Chris’s blackness, and how they use it to make themselves feel more progressive and enlightened. The film highlights the ways in which this tokenization can be damaging, and how it can lead to feelings of objectification and exploitation.
What role does the character of Rose play in the film’s social commentary, and how does she embody the themes of racial exploitation and manipulation?
The character of Rose plays a significant role in the film’s social commentary, as she embodies the themes of racial exploitation and manipulation. Rose is a white woman who is fascinated by Chris’s blackness, and she uses her privilege and power to manipulate and control him. The film shows how Rose uses her charm and beauty to lure Chris into a false sense of security, and how she uses her family’s wealth and influence to keep him trapped.
Rose’s character also serves as a commentary on the way in which white women are often complicit in the exploitation and oppression of black people. The film shows how Rose is aware of the racist attitudes and behaviors of her family, but she does nothing to stop them. Instead, she uses her own privilege and power to enable and perpetuate their racism. The film highlights the ways in which this complicity can be damaging, and how it can lead to feelings of betrayal and anger.
How does the film’s use of horror elements serve to amplify its social commentary, and what commentary does it offer on the experiences of black people in America?
The film’s use of horror elements serves to amplify its social commentary by highlighting the ways in which racism can be a source of terror and fear for black people. The film shows how Chris is constantly subjected to a sense of unease and dread, as he navigates a world that is hostile and unforgiving. The film’s use of horror elements also serves to comment on the way in which black people are often forced to live in a state of hypervigilance, constantly on the lookout for threats and dangers.
The film also uses horror elements to comment on the way in which black people are often subjected to a kind of psychological terror. The film shows how Chris is constantly gaslighted and manipulated, and how he is forced to question his own perceptions and reality. The film highlights the ways in which this kind of terror can be damaging, and how it can lead to feelings of disorientation and disempowerment.
What impact has Get Out had on the conversation around racism and social justice, and how has it influenced the way in which we think about these issues?
Get Out has had a significant impact on the conversation around racism and social justice, as it has helped to highlight the ways in which racism can be subtle and insidious. The film has also helped to amplify the voices of black people, and to center their experiences and perspectives. The film’s use of horror elements has also helped to make the issue of racism more accessible and engaging, and has helped to reach a wider audience.
The film has also influenced the way in which we think about these issues, as it has helped to challenge our assumptions and biases. The film has shown how racism can be perpetuated by well-meaning people, and how it can be embedded in our institutions and systems. The film has also highlighted the importance of listening to and amplifying the voices of marginalized communities, and has helped to create a sense of urgency and momentum around the issue of social justice.