This past Sunday we went to go see the movie everyone is talking about at the moment. "Us" is directed and written by Jordan Peele and, as it says on IMDB, "A family's serene woodside vacation turns to chaos when their doppelgängers appear and begin to terrorize them.".
So did it live up to the hype? Let me explain...
Going into this movie, I am not going to lie, I had high expectations because of the praise and amazing reviews this film has received. I thoroughly enjoyed it, yet I was a bit confused with the plot of the movie. After doing some research, things really started to make sense, like the theme and message, and I have nothing but respect for Peele's film. The film's main actors, Lupita Nyong'o ("Star Wars", "Black Panther") and Winston Duke ("Black Panther"), are an upper-middle class couple that spend some time at their summer home. Their martial banter back and forth was fun to watch, and Winston's character being a total dad with his boat is hilarious. Each main actor and actress played two characters; their real-life character and the doppelganger to that character.
I loved seeing how the actors could portray two totally different characters even though they are clones of each other. The "split screen" method is a "technique that essentially adds two shots together to make one. This special effect is often used in order to have one actor play two parts. (Campbell par. 1).
I was first introduced to the split screen concept at a young age when I watched the Lindsay Lohan version of "The Parent Trap" and was confused why both girls were played by one actress because how could she be in two places at once? The link below provides an excellent explanation on how to use and make your own split screen:
https://videoproductiontips.com/split-screen-how-to-shoot-and-edit-split-screen-video/
Obviously with the technology we have today, this method is pretty simple with the usage of video editing software and keying out green screen. With this film, there were other notable camera methods, like the close up of the character, Kitty (Elisabeth Moss), when she was slowly crawling towards her attacker while succumbing to her wounds. We see her pain yet determination etched on her face.
Another notable moment was the back and forth cuts showing the parallel universes between the underground and the above-ground characters mirroring each others' actions. For instance, we see a couple playing rock-paper-scissors at the carnival and down below, the doppelgangers are playing a mockery of the game. Another example is we see Adelaide dancing on stage in front of an audience and the camera cuts to her clone, Red, attempting the same dance below ground showing their tethered connection.
The script is very thoughtful but one thing I really want to point out is that this movie has lots and lots of items, themes, and dialogue that subtly relate to the storyline. They use scissors and other things like doll-rods and a rock sculpture as weapons. No guns were used in this movie at all which I found interesting. You kind of get a "Purge" feeling with the clones rising up and killing (or "untethering" as they call it) their counterparts. There are many clues and objects that tie in together and after seeing this film, I found this very helpful video on YouTube that explains the things one would miss and their significance such as the 11:11 time seen throughout the plot:
This video really helped me appreciate this movie even more. It helped me understand the motive behind the story. It really is a movie about class and socialism if you think about it. After the movie, I did not think the story lived up to the hype, but the more I thought about it and researched it I have a greater understanding to it. The message is appreciate the things you have. Even if it is small, there are people who have it more rough out there and envy what you would have.
ALWAYS be grateful for what you have.
The creative camera tricks, angles, subtle hints, video editing, and acting really makes the movie. Overall, on the creative side, I liked it. When it comes out to purchase and rent, I will make sure to watch it very carefully again.
What were your thoughts about the message and the movie's plot?
References:
https://www.imdb.com/title/tt6857112/?ref_=ttmi_tt
https://videoproductiontips.com/split-screen-how-to-shoot-and-edit-split-screen-video/
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