The views expressed in this article are the author’s own and do not represent the views of Her Campus FSU.
In regards to the movie nominations that have recently been announced for the upcoming 2018 Golden Globe Awards, I would like to shed light on a particular nomination that received immediate attention across the Internet. It has also created public controversy and frustration in which I have myself taken part of. It was brought to my attention last week that one of my favorite films Get Out, written and directed by Jordan Peele, was submitted to the Golden Globes as a comedy under Universal Pictures with the Hollywood Foreign Press Association. The Wolf of Wall Street received similar uproar when it was categorized as a comedy back in 2013.
Courtesy: Show Film First
For those unfamiliar with Get Out, the movie tells the story of a black man who pays a visit to his white girlfriend’s parents’ house out in the middle of the woods. I don’t want to reveal too much, but through several symbols and metaphors, the movie serves as a motif for racism and oppression for individuals of color in the United States; many scenes indirectly suggest elements of slavery and other white supremacist events from American history. In doing so, the film also highlights the white man’s tendency to hyper-sexualize and glorify black bodies and their advantageous abilities. The initially inviting and friendly ambiance of the visit, reflecting what many would consider “southern hospitality,” later takes a dramatic turn. The main character Chris, played by actor Daniel Kaluuya, finds himself trapped in the confines of a prejudiced household.
Courtesy: IndieWire
In short, Get Out was intended to be a horror movie that brings attention to the everyday struggles and hardships that black people still face to this day. As one who has seen the film five times, as well as one who has done extensive research and engaged in various discussions with others about it, I can attest to the fact that it’s indeed a horror movie. I don’t know how one could go so far as to diminish such a harshly real portrayal of racial America by classifying it as a comedy; it is unbelievably insensitive and demeaning to the work of Peele, and completely undermines the significance of its underlying message.
Courtesy: Horror Freak News
As soon as word was released of Get Out being categorized for the Golden Globes, Peele tweeted “Get Out is a documentary.’” The tweet instantly blew up and people from all realms of the Internet took offense as well, voicing their displeasure about how Peele’s work had been trivialized.
Courtesy: Twitter
In an interview at a lunch event at New York’s Lincoln Ristorante, Peele said, “I think the issue here is that the movie subverts the idea of all genres…Call it what you want, but the movie is an expression of my truth, my experience, the experiences of a lot of black people, and minorities. Anyone who feels like the other. Any conversation that limits what it can be is putting it in a box.”
Peele has expressed in several interviews that he does not believe that Get Out should be labeled as one single genre; it is considered satire because, by definition, satire is the “use of humor, irony, exaggeration, or ridicule to expose and criticize people’s stupidity or vices, particularly in the context of contemporary politics or other topical issues.” However, he has also touched on the fact that humor and horror are both similar in that they both revolve around truths, but just go about it in clearly different ways.
I can understand why Get Out would be considered a comedy, based solely upon potential confusion with where the line is drawn between irony and humor; however, I believe that the media didn’t fully consider the genuine purpose of the film. Many share the same stance as I do when I say that claiming Get Out as a comedy is a clear indication of white privilege. Above all of my discontent, I am pleased to see that it’s receiving the recognition it deserves by being nominated for a Golden Globe Award. If you have not yet seen Get Out, I highly recommend doing so — it could change your perspective.