The movie “Us” hit theatres a month ago and has already
earned over $180 million at the box office. The latest horror film from Jordan
Peele, the director of the Academy award-winning “Get Out” has definitely
sparked discussion.
While Jordan Peele’s movies typically have themes and stunning
symbolism, such as the way the movie “Get Out” addresses many racial issues, there
are no definite answers to what Us’s theme is.
I personally interpret a theme of classism.* Gabe always seems
to be trying to play catch-up with Josh, buying a boat thinking his friend who
is already a boat owner will be impressed. Instead their conversation about it
at the beach is Josh somewhat snobbishly dismissing Gabe’s purchase and even
insulting his intellect. Peele makes it no secret that the Tyler’s have more
than the Wilson’s, and I think Gabe’s constant goal of trying to catch up to
them represents a problem America is currently facing, where material things
are put on a pedestal. Gabe is so focused on his materialistic goals that he
seemingly has no awareness of his wife’s deteriorating mental health. And while
we might laugh at his cluelessness while Adelaide is trying to explain her
fears, this theme of putting money and wealth first and ignoring the seriousness
of mental health is also a problem commonly found in our country.
Even still, while the Wilson’s dwell on their problems. The Tethered
would still rather take their place than continue living their underground lifestyle. Their red jumpsuits, while also an obvious homage to Michael
Jackson’s “Thriller” which is referenced in the film also symbolize confinement,
and that they are not free to do whatever they want like their above-ground
counterparts.
While some people may be disappointed that the movie did not
address a specific issue, I believe that because of the elasticity of the film,
Jordan Peele has ingeniously crafted a film that you can translate to have any
meaning you want. I have my idea, but you can have yours too and they both make
about as much sense. More importantly, it sparks discussion between two people
of differing ideas, and maybe while talking we’ll be able to understand a different
concept that we previously couldn’t grasp.
What themes did you pick up on from the film? Let’s start a discussion
in the comments below!
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