Decoding the Complex Themes and Symbols of “Get Out” Movie

“Get Out” is a critically acclaimed horror movie that was released in 2017. Directed by Jordan Peele, the movie tells the story of a young black man named Chris who visits his white girlfriend Rose’s family in their secluded estate in the countryside. What starts as an innocent visit soon turns into a nightmare as Chris uncovers a sinister secret about the family and their intentions towards him. The movie was both a commercial and critical success, grossing over $250 million worldwide and receiving numerous accolades, including an Academy Award for Best Original Screenplay. “Get Out” is not just a horror movie; it is a thought-provoking examination of race, identity, and the human psyche. In this article, we will explore the various elements that make “Get Out” a compelling and socially relevant movie.

What is the film “Get Out” about – summary

“Get Out” follows the story of Chris Washington, a young African-American man who is about to meet the family of his white girlfriend, Rose Armitage, for the first time. Despite his initial hesitation, Chris agrees to join Rose on a weekend trip to her family’s estate in the countryside. However, once they arrive, Chris begins to notice that something is off. The family’s black servants seem to be acting strange, and the other guests at the estate seem overly interested in him. As the weekend progresses, Chris uncovers a horrifying truth about the Armitage family and their intentions towards him. The movie’s climactic scene involves a shocking reveal that explains the true purpose of the Armitage family’s seemingly innocent gathering. Throughout the movie, Chris must navigate a series of increasingly disturbing and dangerous situations in order to survive and escape the estate. “Get Out” is a suspenseful and intense thriller that keeps viewers on the edge of their seats until the very end.

What is the themes of “Get Out”

“Get Out” explores several complex themes that are both relevant and thought-provoking. One of the most prominent themes in the movie is the exploration of race and racism in contemporary society. Through the use of subtle and overt imagery, the movie draws attention to the ways in which black people are often dehumanized, fetishized, and commodified by white people. The movie also critiques the ways in which white people often appropriate black culture without understanding or respecting its history and significance.

Another important theme in the movie is the concept of identity and the struggle for selfhood. Chris struggles to reconcile his own sense of identity with the various stereotypes and prejudices that are projected onto him by the white characters in the movie. The movie also explores the idea of the “double consciousness” that is experienced by many black people in white-dominated spaces.

Finally, “Get Out” also delves into the idea of the uncanny and the ways in which things that are seemingly normal and familiar can become terrifying and unsettling. This theme is particularly evident in the portrayal of the Armitage family’s estate, which appears idyllic on the surface but hides a sinister truth underneath. Overall, “Get Out” uses its themes to offer a powerful and provocative commentary on contemporary social issues.

Symbolism of movie

“Get Out” makes extensive use of symbolism to convey its themes and ideas. One of the most striking symbols in the movie is the use of a teacup, which represents the idea of “white” on the surface and “black” underneath. The teacup is used to hypnotize Chris, which symbolizes the way in which black people are often controlled and manipulated by white people in positions of power.

Another important symbol in the movie is the use of the “sunken place,” which represents the experience of being trapped and powerless. The sunken place is where Chris is sent during his hypnosis, and it serves as a metaphor for the way in which black people are often silenced and marginalized in society.

The movie also makes use of several animal symbols, such as the deer that is struck by a car at the beginning of the movie. The deer symbolizes the idea of innocence and vulnerability, as well as the violence that can be inflicted on those who are seen as weak or defenseless.

Finally, the movie’s setting, the Armitage family’s estate, is itself a powerful symbol. The estate represents the idea of an idyllic and peaceful retreat, but it hides a dark and disturbing truth beneath its surface. This symbolizes the way in which white people often use their privilege and power to create illusions of safety and comfort, while hiding the harm and violence that they perpetrate. Overall, “Get Out” uses its symbols to add depth and complexity to its themes, and to create a powerful and resonant viewing experience.

Characters

“Get Out” features several memorable and complex characters who play important roles in the story. Here are some of the key characters:

1. Chris Washington: The protagonist of the movie, Chris is a young African-American man who is initially hesitant about meeting his girlfriend’s white family. Throughout the movie, he must navigate a series of increasingly dangerous situations in order to survive and escape the estate.
2. Rose Armitage: Chris’s girlfriend, Rose is a seemingly innocent and well-meaning character who slowly reveals her true nature over the course of the movie.
3. Missy Armitage: Rose’s mother, Missy is a therapist who uses hypnosis to control and manipulate Chris.
4. Dean Armitage: Rose’s father, Dean is a neurosurgeon who is obsessed with the idea of transplanting brains into other bodies.
5. Jeremy Armitage: Rose’s brother, Jeremy is a volatile and aggressive character who serves as one of Chris’s primary antagonists.
6. Georgina and Walter: The Armitage family’s black servants, Georgina and Walter are initially friendly towards Chris but reveal a disturbing secret about themselves later in the movie.
7. Jim Hudson: A blind art dealer who is interested in Chris’s photography, Jim plays a pivotal role in the movie’s climax.

Each of these characters brings their own unique perspective and motivations to the story, adding depth and complexity to the movie’s themes and ideas.

Social Commentary

“Get Out” is a powerful work of social commentary that explores a wide range of complex issues related to race, identity, and power. Here are some of the key areas of social commentary in the movie:

• Racism: “Get Out” is a searing indictment of the pervasive racism that exists in contemporary society. The movie highlights the ways in which black people are often dehumanized and objectified by white people, and the psychological toll that this takes on individuals.
• Cultural Appropriation: The movie also critiques the ways in which white people often appropriate black culture without understanding or respecting its history and significance.
• Tokenism: “Get Out” explores the concept of tokenism, where black people are included in white spaces as a means of promoting diversity, but are still treated as outsiders or marginalized in subtle ways.
• Hypocrisy: The movie highlights the ways in which white people often espouse liberal or progressive values but still benefit from systemic racism and privilege.
• Mental Health: “Get Out” also touches on the theme of mental health and the impact of trauma and abuse on individuals.

Overall, “Get Out” offers a powerful and nuanced critique of contemporary social issues, and its themes and ideas have resonated with audiences around the world.

Critical Reception

“Get Out” was widely praised by critics upon its release, and has since become a cultural phenomenon. Here are some of the key elements of its critical reception:

1. Commercial Success: “Get Out” was a massive commercial success, grossing over $250 million worldwide on a budget of just $4.5 million. Its success helped to prove the viability of horror movies with diverse casts and themes.
2. Critical Acclaim: The movie received widespread critical acclaim, with many reviewers praising its blend of horror, satire, and social commentary. It currently has a 98% approval rating on Rotten Tomatoes.
3. Awards and Nominations: “Get Out” was nominated for numerous awards, including four Academy Awards (Best Picture, Best Director, Best Actor, and Best Original Screenplay), and won the award for Best Original Screenplay.
4. Cultural Impact: “Get Out” has had a significant cultural impact, spawning countless think pieces, memes, and discussions about its themes and ideas. It has also inspired a new wave of socially conscious horror movies and has helped to elevate Jordan Peele’s profile as a writer and director.

Overall, “Get Out” was a critical and commercial success that has had a lasting impact on both popular culture and the horror genre.

“Get Out” ending explained

The ending of “Get Out” is a shocking and suspenseful sequence that ties together many of the movie’s themes and ideas. Here is an explanation of what happens in the ending and what it means:

After escaping from the Armitage family’s estate, Chris is confronted by Rose, who is revealed to be in league with her family all along. A tense confrontation ensues, during which Chris strangles Rose and prepares to leave. However, just as he is about to get in his car and drive away, he is confronted by the family’s groundskeeper, who is revealed to be possessed by the consciousness of Rose’s grandfather. A violent struggle ensues, during which Chris kills the groundskeeper and sets fire to the family’s house.

In the final scene of the movie, Chris is shown sitting in a car with his friend Rod, who has come to rescue him. As they drive away from the estate, a police car pulls up behind them. Chris prepares to face the police, but instead of arresting him, the police car drives past them and apprehends Rose, who is crawling on the side of the road after being injured in the fight.

The ending of “Get Out” has several important themes and ideas that it conveys. One of the most important is the idea of the horror of white supremacy and the ways in which it can manifest in unexpected and insidious ways. The possession of the groundskeeper by Rose’s grandfather is a metaphor for the way in which racism can be passed down through generations and can infect even those who are not overtly racist.

Another important theme in the ending is the idea of the fear and anxiety that black people experience in encounters with law enforcement. Chris’s hesitation to confront the police is a powerful commentary on the ways in which black people are often profiled and targeted by law enforcement, even when they are innocent.

Overall, the ending of “Get Out” is a powerful and thought-provoking conclusion to a complex and socially relevant movie. It offers a commentary on issues of race, power, and identity that is both challenging and resonant.

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Robert Wilson

Hello, I’m Robert Wilson, and I’m a movie critic and literary figure who writes articles about movies, books, and music. As a lover of all three art forms, I believe that they have the power to move, inspire, and transform us in profound ways.

Overall, my goal as a writer is to share my passion for movies, books, and music with my readers, and to inspire them to explore these art forms in new and exciting ways. Whether you’re a lover of movies, books, music, or all three, I hope that my articles will provide you with the insights and inspiration you need to dive deeper into the world of art and culture.