“It’s just a movie”

In this chapter, Smith argues that every detail in film is done purposefully and is crafted specifically to relay a message. Details that may seem arbitrary such as shirt color, lighting, and even the chance occurrences are chosen to symbolize a deeper meaning. Smith also makes the point that the production of movies and T.V. shows are too expensive to not be specific in every shot, and that even if the director didn’t intend a message, they may unconsciously communicate their own beliefs. Finally, while many believe analysis distracts from the entertainment value of a film, Smith argues that media-makers want audiences to read into and find meaning in the details.

I connect with this article on a personal level because I am the one who is constantly analyzing the meaning of movies and how each small detail contributes to a bigger picture. Specifically, in the movie “Us,” a film directed by Jordan Peele, I spent weeks researching the hidden messages within the dialogue between characters, voice inflections, and societal parallels. Peele, known for his hidden commentary on American politics, and layered themes, uses horror to expose the true horrors in society and conceptualize our own world. While his first well-known horror film, Get Out is clearly discussing racism in the United States, US is not as individually categorized. This leaves meaning up to the audience, and challenges viewers to question society and themselves.

Jordan Peele movies are a perfect examples of how directors make choices intentionally to communicate a message. Every small detail in Peele’s films, even the ones that seem unimportant, either foreshadow what will happen at the end of the movie, allude to themes, or call out injustices within our society. What I like about the movie Us is that it doesn’t contain just one idea, but a broad range of messages on the duality of human nature, societal oppression in the US (hint the title), and the guilt of privilege. I find that the analysis of this film not only makes the movie more enjoyable, but leaves a lasting impression which is what all film-makers desire.