Jordan Peele’s critically acclaimed film Get Out has left audiences and critics alike scratching their heads since its release in 2017. The movie’s thought-provoking themes, clever plot twists, and eerie atmosphere have made it a staple of modern horror. One of the most intriguing aspects of Get Out is its expertly crafted opening sequence, which sets the tone for the rest of the film and hints at the dark events that unfold. In this article, we’ll delve into the symbolism, foreshadowing, and themes present in the beginning of Get Out, and explore how they contribute to the movie’s unsettling atmosphere.
The Opening Scene: A Seemingly Harmless Event
The film opens on a shot of a suburban neighborhood, with the camera panning over the streets, showing us the tranquil and picture-perfect homes. We see Andre Hayworth, a young black man, walking down the street, talking on his phone. The atmosphere is calm, and the music is non-threatening, giving us a sense of normalcy. However, as the scene progresses, we notice that Andre seems out of place in this community. He’s the only black person in sight, and the camera lingers on his reactions, making us feel uneasy. Suddenly, a white car appears, and the driver asks Andre for directions. The conversation seems friendly, but the tone is off, and we sense that something is amiss. As Andre walks away, the camera stays on the car, and we see the driver’s face, which is obscured by the shadows.
The Use of Symbolism in the Opening Scene
The opening scene is rich in symbolism, and many of the elements present here are woven throughout the rest of the film. One of the most striking aspects is the use of the color white. The white car, the white driver, and the predominantly white neighborhood all serve as a stark contrast to Andre’s black skin. This visual motif is a powerful commentary on the theme of racial assimilation, which is central to Get Out. The film explores the idea that black people are often forced to conform to white norms, and the color white becomes a symbol of this oppression.
Another symbol present in the opening scene is the deer that appears on the side of the road. The deer is a symbol of innocence and purity, but it’s also a symbol of something lost or abandoned. This motif is echoed later in the film, as we see Chris Washington (Daniel Kaluuya) lost in the woods, surrounded by deer. The deer becomes a symbol of Chris’s own innocence and naivety, and the ways in which he’s forced to confront the harsh realities of racism.
The Importance of the Shadowy Figure
The driver of the white car is shrouded in shadows, making him an enigmatic figure. This shadowy figure serves as a harbinger of doom, foreshadowing the sinister events that will unfold. The driver’s obscured face also adds to the sense of mystery, making us wonder about his motivations and true identity. This character will reappear later in the film, and his significance will become clear.
The Introduction of Chris Washington
After the opening scene, we’re introduced to Chris Washington, the film’s protagonist. Chris is a talented photographer, and we see him preparing for a trip to meet his white girlfriend Rose’s (Allison Williams) family. The atmosphere is lighthearted, and Chris’s banter with his friend Rodney (Lakeith Stanfield) adds a touch of humor to the scene. However, as Chris packs his bags, we notice that he’s nervous about meeting Rose’s family, and we sense that he’s unsure about how they’ll react to his blackness.
The Significance of Chris’s Photography
Chris’s photography is more than just a hobby; it’s a way for him to cope with the trauma of his past. We see Chris’s photographs scattered throughout his apartment, and they serve as a visual representation of his inner turmoil. The photographs also foreshadow the themes of surveillance and voyeurism that will be present throughout the film. As Chris takes pictures, he becomes an observer, capturing the world around him, but also becoming aware of the ways in which he’s being watched.
Rose’s Family: A Facade of Perfection
As Chris arrives at Rose’s family’s estate, we’re introduced to her seemingly perfect family. The Armitages are a picture of white upper-class privilege, with their sprawling mansion and perfectly manicured lawns. However, as we delve deeper into the film, we realize that this facade is just that – a facade. The Armitages are hiding something sinister, and Chris’s presence will uncover the dark secrets they’ve been keeping.
Foreshadowing and Tension
The beginning of Get Out is masterfully crafted to create a sense of tension and unease. Peele uses a range of techniques to foreshadow the events that will unfold, making us feel like something is off, but we can’t quite put our finger on what it is. The use of long takes, eerie music, and an unsettling atmosphere all contribute to this sense of unease.
One of the most striking aspects of the film’s opening is the use of microaggressions. Rose’s family makes a series of comments that seem harmless on the surface but are actually demeaning and racist. These microaggressions serve as a way to highlight the subtle ways in which racism operates, making us feel uncomfortable and uneasy.
The Significance of the Hypnosis Scene
One of the most iconic scenes in Get Out is the hypnosis scene, where Chris is hypnotized by Missy Armitage (Catherine Keener). This scene is often cited as one of the most unsettling moments in the film, and it’s easy to see why. The use of close-ups, eerie music, and Missy’s calm demeanor all create a sense of unease. However, the hypnosis scene is more than just a jump scare; it’s a way to explore the theme of loss of agency. Chris, as a black man, is often forced to relinquish control to white people, and the hypnosis scene serves as a visual representation of this.
Unsettling Imagery and the Power of Symbolism
The beginning of Get Out is full of unsettling imagery, from the deer on the side of the road to the eerie portraits in the Armitages’ mansion. These images serve as a visual representation of the themes present in the film, and they add to the overall sense of unease. The use of symbolism is particularly effective, as it allows Peele to convey complex ideas and themes in a subtle yet powerful way.
| Symbol | Meaning |
|---|---|
| Deer | Innocence, purity, and something lost or abandoned |
| White color | Racial assimilation and oppression |
| Shadowy figure | Harbinger of doom and foreshadowing of sinister events |
Conclusion
The beginning of Get Out is a masterclass in suspenseful storytelling, symbolism, and foreshadowing. Peele’s expertly crafted opening sequence sets the tone for the rest of the film, hinting at the dark events that will unfold. As we explore the themes present in the film, it becomes clear that Get Out is more than just a horror movie – it’s a powerful commentary on racism, privilege, and the ways in which black people are forced to conform to white norms. The opening sequence is just the beginning of this thought-provoking journey, and it’s a testament to Peele’s skill as a filmmaker that he’s able to pack so much depth and complexity into a seemingly simple opening scene.
What is the significance of the missing African American man in the beginning of the movie?
The missing African American man, Andre Hayworth, serves as a warning sign to the audience about the eerie events that will unfold. It is an indication that something is seriously amiss in this seemingly idyllic suburban town. Moreover, Andre’s disappearance is presented as a casual, ordinary event, which adds to the sense of unease and foreboding.
The scene also sets the tone for the rest of the movie, hinting at the idea that African Americans are seen as “other” and are not valued as much as their white counterparts. The fact that Andre’s disappearance is met with a lack of concern and urgency by the authorities and the community at large is a subtle commentary on the systemic racism that pervades society.
Why is the cinematography in the beginning of the movie so important?
The cinematography at the beginning of the movie is crucial in setting the tone and atmosphere for the rest of the film. The use of long, lingering shots and a slow pace creates a sense of unease and tension, which is heightened by the eerie score playing in the background. This aesthetic choice immediately puts the audience on edge, making them feel that something is off.
Moreover, the cinematography also serves to introduce the theme of surveillance and observation that runs throughout the movie. The camera lingers on Andre’s abandoned car, his phone, and his wallet, creating a sense of voyeurism and invasion of privacy. This mirrors the way in which the Armitage family and their friends observe and objectify Chris, the main character, throughout the movie.
What is the significance of the 911 call in the beginning of the movie?
The 911 call at the beginning of the movie is significant because it serves as a clever red herring, distracting the audience from the real issue at hand. The call is presented as a matter of urgency, with the operator assuring Andre’s friend that help is on the way. However, this sense of urgency is never followed up on, and Andre’s disappearance is quickly forgotten.
This scene is also a commentary on the systemic failures that exist in society, particularly when it comes to issues of race. The fact that Andre’s disappearance is met with such a lack of concern by the authorities is a subtle critique of the ways in which African American lives are devalued and marginalized.
Why does the director, Jordan Peele, use such an eerie score in the beginning of the movie?
The eerie score used in the beginning of the movie is a deliberate choice by Jordan Peele to create a sense of unease and tension from the very start. The score is a masterclass in building suspense, using discordant notes and an unsettling rhythm to create a sense of foreboding.
The score also serves to heighten the sense of disorientation and discomfort that the audience feels as they are introduced to the seemingly idyllic suburban town. By using a score that is so jarringly at odds with the peaceful setting, Peele is able to create a sense of cognitive dissonance in the audience, making them feel that something is not quite right.
What is the significance of the deer in the beginning of the movie?
The deer that is seen in the beginning of the movie is a symbol of innocence and vulnerability. The fact that it is hit by a car and left to suffer is a powerful metaphor for the ways in which the system fails to protect and care for its most vulnerable members.
Moreover, the deer also serves as a foreshadowing of the events that will unfold, hinting at the idea that Chris, the main character, will also be hunted and preyed upon by the sinister forces at work in the suburban town.
Why does the movie open with such a seemingly ordinary scene?
The movie opens with a seemingly ordinary scene in order to lull the audience into a false sense of security. By presenting a familiar, everyday scenario, Peele is able to create a sense of normalcy, making the audience feel comfortable and at ease.
However, this sense of normalcy is quickly subverted as the scene progresses, and the audience is made to realize that something is not quite right. This technique is a clever way of subverting audience expectations and creating a sense of unease and tension.
What is the significance of the theme of identity in the beginning of the movie?
The theme of identity is introduced in the beginning of the movie through Andre’s disappearance and the subsequent 911 call. The fact that Andre is an African American man who is seemingly erased from existence raises questions about identity, belonging, and visibility.
Moreover, the theme of identity is also tied to the idea of performance and constructed identity, which is explored throughout the movie. The Armitage family and their friends present themselves as one thing, but are revealed to be something entirely different. This theme is hinted at in the beginning of the movie, with Andre’s disappearance serving as a warning sign about the ways in which identities can be constructed and manipulated.