estefanibmc

[estefanibmc]

Get Out Film Discussion

Get Out by Jordan Peele is at first glance, a simple horror film, one which combines both reality and fantasy. Through careful analysis, Get Out is a film which explores various historical and societal themes, such incarceration, the exploitation and coveting of black bodies, and racial dynamics within current societies. Incarceration within Get Out is a subtle but powerful demonstration, demonstrated through the Armitage family and their treatment of Chris. It is best demonstrated through the intentions and systematic knowledge that the Armitages have, a knowledge of their true intentions and plans for Chris. Chris throughout the film is confused and wary, unsure of what is at play. The Armitages however, from the beginning know that that they plan to kidnap and use Chris's body for their own purposes. Similar to the incarceration system, there is a pipeline that has been already established, a system which many minorities are unaware. The school to prison pipeline is one that has been continually perpetuated. An examination into historical documents such as educational policy further reveal how the incarceration system has been put in place, a system which leaves many minorities in a state of unknown, just like Chris within the film. The exploitation and coveting of black bodies is perhaps the most obvious within the film, as it is a major plot point. It is demonstrated through the knowledge that the Armitage's have, their end goals and purpose. Many of their guest mentioned that the black body is "powerful and high performing". The film exemplifies this idea as Jeremy Armitage tells Chris that with his genetic makeup, he could be a beast. Chris is clearly uncomfortable because the manner in which Jeremy is talking to him shows that he does not humanize him but rather sees him as an animal, someone that can be tamed and controlled. Although the film continues to demonstrate such themes it also explores racial dynamics. The racial dynamics are demonstrated through microaggressions, such as Dean Armitage telling Chris “how he would have voted for Obama a third term if he could.” Although the comment seems like Dean Armitage is trying to let Chris know that he does not disapprove of him, his later actions contradict such attempt, as he auctions Chris later off. Thus, although he tries to be welcoming, racial bias and racial dynamics play a monumental role in his acceptance of Chris and by extension, black people. Racial dynamics are further demonstrated as they are not welcoming of the black individual but rather only of what the black body can do for them. This racial dynamic has been seen throughout history, from slavery to the current mass incarceration. Thus Get Out explores a multitude of historical and societal themes.