Get out textual analysis 12/ 15 marks

PEET- 3X paragraphs

Point- What is the point your making?

Example- Where does this specifically link to the set text?

Explain- Textual analysis- media terminology- how does it link back to question?

Theory- what does this theory link support?

first paragraph: Levi- Strauss and binary opposition/ Barthes enigma code (wondering)/ Propp theory

specify what scene, what convention is present, end on a theorist to back it all up.

In Peeles 2017 film 'Get out' he juxtaposes genre conventions by using lighting in a conflicting way to create an enigma. In the first opening scene, the lampposts are the main source of light which highlights the long stretch of empty road alongside our protagonist. The protagonist is within the shadows, almost hidden with his dark outfit- making us question whether he is there to commit a crime due to stereotypes in film, since he is in an affluent suburb looking and acting out of place. In contrast, the eerie car that increases the tension in a negative way is fully lit up by the lampposts which is a direct contrast to thriller/ horror conventions where the antagonist should be the one lurking in the shadows. This creates a sort of enigmatic code, one in which the audience is extremely uncomfortable, on edge as to who the true antagonist is- a theory first introduced by Barth reflecting upon the ambiguity and unknown elements of films more commonly seen in horror/ thriller. 

Peele uses camera shots and movements rarely seen in this genre to further immerse the audience into the scene. At the beginning of the scene the long shot comes closer to the protagonist until we get a close up shot which is at eye- level. This increases tension, as we are brought ever close to the protagonist limiting our vision in the process, and establishing a connection to him- making us feel powerless and restricted which Peele does to ensure our alignment with the protagonist. The 180 degree panning shot is unconventional to this films genre, it is used to further cement the audience in the scene- mimicking a realistic spectators POV which further makes us feel helpless. The end to the opening sequence is an enigma since when he is packed into a car, us as the passive spectator question whether he is alive or dead and where will he be taken too. ADD THEORIST: By creating some sort of villian/ bad person, the film plays into Levi Strauss' theory of binary opposition, by creating a conflict, the film now has meaning due to the conflict creating an enigma for the audience.

In the opening sequence of 'Get Out', sound is used to build up tension and heighten our awareness of the setting, immersing the viewer into the scene and creating a further connection to the protagonist. The diegetic sound of the creaky car on screen creates an enigma since its crawling towards the protagonist. Moment later when he is being dragged into the boot of the car, the sound of his shoes trailing along the pavement is unsettling and unnerving, this sound is parallel to the scene as it is meant to evoke unease. The car that had previously played diegetic contrapuntal music consisting of the childlike music 'run rabbit' has transitioned to non-diegetic- the music becomes louder, maximising tension and contributing to the chaos unfolding on screen. Typically, the horror/ thriller genre uses childlike nursery rhymes that are well known by the audience to convey the feeling of the uncanny paired with fast paced transitions, however 'Get Out' mainly relies on the music to create that disturbing feeling rather than pairing it up with quick transitions. This clever use of music joined with the steady, slow shots gives us a message that the protagonist has no autonomy over whats happening to him, and as the audience, we are also at a loss for actions. The camera is used this way un-traditionally to further connect us to the scene- making it appear more realistic and in turn, more eerie. This contributes to the breaking up of the 'equilibrium state', allowing the disruption to take on more of a drastic effect than traditional horror movies such as the fast, jump-scare shots in 'Annabelle'. ADD THEORIST. These different mise-en-scene elements coming together allows the audience to feel scared, possibly even physically reacting to the semi-realistic scene, through Altmans theory on reaction, we can tell that these reactions are stereotypical of the thriller genre, which 'Get Out' is.

To conclude, camera angles, transitions, and setting all contribute to the unsettling atmosphere of the opening scene. The unconventional ways in which the camera is used throws us off when typically the horror genre is notorious for extreme jump scares and fast paced transitions. 

1a) Identify two technical conventions used in a media product that you have studied that create specific meaning to the audience.

1. Lighting is used in contrasting ways to convey confusion and increases tension

2. Unconventional camera movements/ shots are used to connect the audience to the protagonist.

1b) Analyse how mise-en-scene conventions contribute to the specific genre

The clothing that the protagonist wears (all black) is typically associated towards a villain, this goes against genre conventions making the audience confused and questions who the antagonist is. The car that brings an ominous atmosphere is white, the colour of 'purity' and 'neutrality', the car traps the protagonist after he has been knocked out, playing an eerie chant- totally contrasting typical colour associations.