October Fright Nights: Get Out
Ellis watches 'Get Out' for the first time in Fright Night number 5
Get Out is often renowned as a modern day classic; becoming a hit with audiences and critics always instantly...so you think I'd have seen it. But no, for whatever reason this passed me by in 2017 and has continued to do so since. I love Daniel Kaluuya - in fact I'd choose him to be the next James Bond - so I'm sure I'm going to love this. The final October Fright Night blog is ready for you to get involved with just days before Halloween, so buckle up with me and enjoy!
To read the first Fright Night article click here: https://www.focusfilms.online/post/october-fright-nights-night-of-the-living-dead
Fright Night Film: Get Out
Release Date: 2017
Directed by: Jordan Peele
Starring: Daniel Kaluuya, Allison Williams, Catherine Keener, Bradley Whitford, Lil Rel Howery
Successful Jump Scares: 3
CREEPINESS
As soon as they reach Rose's family's house there's something creepy about the whole place. Their denial of being racists makes an audience despise them all straight from the off, and Catherine Keener in particular is so sinister in her portrayal of Missy, even when Chris is supposed to like her.
PLAUSIBILITY & STORY
To use a riveting horror story to open peoples eyes to the world of black injustice, black slavery and white privilege is incredibly smart and super engaging. And now we see the horror genre used to tell stories of black lives more in popular cinema everyday; Nia DaCosta and Remi Weekes have been two of the pioneers with their films Candyman and His House respectively. But this rise in quality in the horror genre all seems to start with Jordan Peele's Get Out. Also, the twists and turns in this are delivered exceptionally.
CINEMATOGRAPHY
The dreamlike sequences in this are so vast and different from everything else. But the way Jordan Peele shoots eyes is just amazing. When Chris is sat in the chair, his eyes are so wide that you can feel the pain and destruction that his life has been burdened with.
MUSIC
Great juxtaposition of music to action in the opening sequence and the lyrical resonance of Childish Gambino's Redbone early on in the film did not go unnoticed. Michael Abels' score is terrific also, with the right amount of crescendo and a nuanced rhythmic pulse that you could only get from live instruments.
PERFORMANCE
Two words...Daniel Kaluuya.
I've thoroughly enjoyed putting myself through these scary, creepy and sometimes melodramatic horror flicks and feel my knowledge of the genre has greatly expanded. If you're looking for one of the five to watch this Halloween, my choice would be Scream. It has everything you want from a horror but does it all in such an innovative way. But for me, this 31st it'll be a rewatch of my absolute favourite Evil Dead II. Let's do this again next year!
Get Out is available to rent or buy