'Get Out' (2017) - The Documentary Analysis of 2010s America

 

('Get Out' poster)

 The 2010s in America marked a period of significant turmoil for its African American communities, giving rise to films like 'Get Out' (2017), directed by Jordan Peele. This film aimed to initiate a deeper conversation about how America grappled with the issue of race. 'Get Out' highlights the everyday microaggressions that African Americans face and what their impact is.

 

 

As President Obama began his second term in 2013, we witnessed the emergence of movements like 'Black Lives Matter,' which sought to counter the alarming increase in white supremacy. This continued to develop as Obama's term came to an end in 2017. Here America flips the coin. With the election of Republicans into office, conservatives gained a louder voice, making race a central focus in the media.

 

In 'Get Out,' we follow Chris Washington, a black man, as he visits his white girlfriend's family for a weekend. However, as the plot unfolds, we are thrust into a sinister practice where the family orchestrates the exploitation of black lives for their own gain. Jordan Peele manipulates the narratives that were prevalent during this era of American history, turning to metaphors, colours, and symbols to depict the experiences of black people navigating these tumultuous times.

(Chris & his girlfriend, Rose)

In the film's setup scenes, we see deliberate contrasts, such as white walls juxtaposed against Chris Washington's complexion. Peele also incorporates microaggressions, subtle forms of racism that often go unnoticed. Examples include a police officer asking Chris for his ID even though he's just a passenger or Dean Armitage's comments about how he "would've voted for Obama a third time." These microaggressions add to the movie's build-up, leaving us questioning how much of this daily scrutiny a person can endure.

 

One scene that particularly resonates as a reflection of how African Americans felt during this period is the 'Sunken Place Hypnosis' scene. Here, we witness Missy Armitage hypnotizing Chris, plunging him into a state where he can only observe what is happening around him, devoid of control. This metaphor is used to symbolise how black people are often pushed out of the narrative, denied a voice and the power to control their own lives. The 'sunken place' served as a powerful tool to illustrate what was happening at the time, reflecting issues like the lack of justice they faced when confronted by police officers.

The Sunken Place | Get Out (2017) - YouTube

In conclusion, 'Get Out' left a profound impact on American society. It provided a much-needed perspective on the lives of African Americans and encouraged us to reflect on how we, as individuals, should approach this ongoing problem.