The Role of Lighting in the Get Out Film
Lighting is a crucial element in creating the atmosphere and mood of a film. In “Get Out” (2017), director Jordan Peele skillfully uses lighting to enhance the tension and suspense throughout the movie. One specific way lighting is used is in the scenes at the Armitage family’s house, especially during the hypnotism sequences (Wynter 48).
The lighting plays a pivotal role in creating an eerie and unsettling atmosphere in these scenes as Chris undergoes hypnosis; the room’s lighting transitions from warm and inviting to cool and shadowy (Wynter 51). This shift in lighting mirrors the psychological manipulation he is experiencing, effectively amplifying the feeling of disorientation and vulnerability. The stark contrast between the well-lit, pleasant exterior of the house and the dimly lit, sinister interior serves to symbolize the duality and deception that lie at the story’s core.
The Role of Lighting in the Parasite Film
Reflecting on Clarke’s comparisons, “Get Out” and “Parasite” (2019) seem to intersect at the junction of horror and comedy. Both movies explore societal issues—racism and classism, respectively—through a narrative that intertwines horror and comedy elements. In “Get Out,” the comedy is subtle and often dark, serving as a breather amidst the horror (Aislinn Clarke).
One such example is the scene where Chris’s friend Rod humorously theorizes about the Armitages’ sinister intentions. In “Parasite,” the comedic elements are overt, such as the Kim family’s rehearsed deception to infiltrate the Park household. However, the underlying horror of their desperate socio-economic situation remains constant. The two endings of “Get Out” offer drastically different experiences.
The original ending, where Rod rescues Chris, offers relief and justice, reinforcing the movie’s critique of racism. On the other hand, the alternate ending, where Chris is arrested, is a stark reminder of the flawed justice system, furthering the movie’s exploration of systemic racism (Mylrea). Both endings are powerful but guide the audience’s emotions in divergent paths, either toward hope or despair.
The Role of a Film Critic
As for the role of a film critic, they serve as a bridge between the film and its audience. Their expertise and understanding of cinema can guide viewers in appreciating the nuances of a movie. However, their opinions should not dictate viewers’ choices. Professional critical responses are a reference, not a deciding factor when choosing to watch a film. Their critiques offer an insight into a movie’s artistic and technical qualities, but the final judgment lies in my viewing experience. After all, the beauty of cinema lies in its subjectivity, where every viewer has the freedom to interpret and appreciate films uniquely.
Works Cited
Aislinn Clarke. “Why True Horror Movies Are About More than Things Going Bump in the Night.” The Conversation. 2018. Web.
Mylrea, Hannah. “Get Out’s Alternate Ending: The Horrifying Way It Could Have Ended.” NME Music News, Reviews, Videos, Galleries, Tickets and Blogs | NME.COM. 2018. Web.
Wynter, Kevin. Critical Race Theory and Jordan Peele’s Get Out. Bloomsbury Publishing USA, 2022.