Jordan Peele's Emotional Journey: The Creation of the 'Sunken Place' Scene in Get Out
News - 3 February 2024
Jordan Peele recently opened up about a particular scene in his horror film that brought him to tears after he wrote it. Peele's first foray into directing, Get Out, tells the story of Chris Washington, a young black man who goes to visit his white girlfriend's family at their estate. The film not only incorporates satirical humor but also touches on emotional and social themes.
Throughout the movie, viewers can identify various metaphors, with one of the most prominent being the 'Sunken Place' scene, which symbolizes the systematic oppression and marginalization of black individuals in American society.Reflecting on the creation of this pivotal scene, Peele described a moment of vulnerability during the writing process. He shared, "There was a point in the process where I got to something that was very vulnerable.
The joy evolved into tears." Peele went on to explain how he felt emotional after completing the scene involving Chris being hypnotized and entering 'The Sunken Place.' He admitted that the experience was not exactly enjoyable but rather served as a moment of healing for him.
Get Out received critical acclaim and was recognized with several prestigious nominations and awards, including a nomination for Best Picture and a win for Best Original Screenplay at the Academy Awards. The film sparked important conversations surrounding its portrayal of race, identity, and the African American experience in the United States. Through its thought-provoking storytelling and innovative use of symbolism, Get Out challenged audiences to confront uncomfortable truths about race relations in contemporary society.
One of the central themes explored in Get Out is the notion of "the other" and how individuals who are perceived as different or outsiders are treated in a predominantly white society. The character of Chris serves as a lens through which viewers can examine the complexities of being a black man navigating predominantly white spaces. The tension and unease that Chris experiences during his visit to his girlfriend's family's estate reflect the reality faced by many people of color in similar situations.
The 'Sunken Place' scene, in particular, has been hailed as a powerful metaphor for the ways in which black individuals are silenced, marginalized, and stripped of their agency in society. By visualizing this concept through Chris's surreal and terrifying experience, Peele invites audiences to consider the psychological and emotional toll of systemic racism on people of color. The scene resonated deeply with Peele, as it represented a moment of personal catharsis and emotional release during the writing process.
In addition to its thematic depth, Get Out also stands out for its innovative storytelling and genre-blending approach. Peele masterfully combines elements of horror, comedy, and social commentary to create a unique and thought-provoking cinematic experience. By subverting audience expectations and challenging traditional genre conventions, Peele pushes the boundaries of what horror films can achieve in terms of both entertainment and social relevance.
The success of Get Out is a testament to Peele's talent as a filmmaker and storyteller. His ability to blend dark humor with social commentary and psychological horror has solidified his reputation as a visionary director in the horror genre. Peele's willingness to tackle uncomfortable and taboo topics, such as race and discrimination, sets him apart from his peers and establishes him as a leading voice in contemporary cinema.
As Peele continues to expand his oeuvre with projects like Us and the upcoming Nope, audiences can expect to see more groundbreaking work that challenges conventions and pushes boundaries. With his distinct vision and commitment to telling stories that provoke thought and spark conversation, Jordan Peele has firmly established himself as a creative force to be reckoned with in the film industry. Get Out may have been Peele's directorial debut, but it is clear that he is just getting started in terms of making a lasting impact on the world of cinema.