How Jordan Peele made Us a horror classic

Case studies
January 13, 2023
3 min read
A still from Jordan Peele's Us.
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01 · Early life and career

Jordan Peele's early life and career

Jordan Peele was born in New York City in 1979. He first gained recognition as a comedian, starring in the sketch comedy series Key & Peele (2012–2015). He made his directorial debut with the film Get Out (2017), which earned him widespread acclaim. His second film, Us (2019), is another horror classic.

Peele's films are known for their social commentary, often exploring race and inequality in America. Get Out is a psychological thriller about a black man who visits his white girlfriend's family and realizes that they have sinister plans for him. Us is a dark and suspenseful tale about a family who are terrorized by their doppelgängers.

Peele's films are both terrifying and thought-provoking, making him one of the most exciting voices in horror today.

A still from Us, shot by Mike Gioulakis.
Us (2019), shot by Mike Gioulakis.
02 · A unique approach to filmmaking

Jordan Peele's characteristics and approach to filmmaking

Jordan Peele is a master of suspense and social commentary. His films are often dark and twisted, but always deeply thought-provoking. Peele has a unique ability to tap into our deepest fears and unease, which makes his films all the more spine-chilling.

Jordan Peele took a unique approach to filming Us. He used long takes and static shots to create a sense of suspense. This was effective in Us because it made the viewer feel as if they were being watched. The stillness of the shots added to the suspense, making the viewer feel as if they were being watched. This feeling is enhanced by Peele's use of shadows and darkness, which create an atmosphere of unease.

Peele's use of sound is also integral to his filmmaking. He often uses diegetic sound, which is sound that comes from within the world of the film. This creates a sense of realism and makes the viewer feel as if they are in the world of the film. Peele's use of sound is masterful, creating an immersive and terrifying experience for the viewer.

Peele is a true artist, and his films are proof of that. He is a master of suspense and social commentary, and his unique approach to filmmaking makes him one of the most exciting voices in horror today.

A still from Get Out, shot by Toby Oliver.
Get Out (2017), shot by Toby Oliver.
03 · Famous stills from Us

Famous stills from Us

The film Us is full of iconic images that have become instantly recognizable. The most famous of these is the image of the family standing in the driveway, with the mother and father holding hands and the children in the background. This image is both haunting and beautiful, and it perfectly encapsulates the themes of the film.

Another famous image from Us is the shot of Lupita Nyong'o's character walking down a long hallway, her reflection following close behind her. This image is eerie and unsettling, and it perfectly represents the feeling of being watched. This feeling is enhanced by Peele's use of shadows and darkness, which create an atmosphere of unease.

Peele's films are not only horror classics, but they are also masterpieces of cinema. His use of imagery, sound, and storytelling are second to none.

A still from Us, shot by Mike Gioulakis.
Us (2019): the feeling of being watched.
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04 · Closing thoughts

Closing thoughts

Jordan Peele is a master of horror, and Us is a film that will stay with you long after the credits have rolled. Peele's use of suspense, social commentary, and unique approach to filmmaking make him one of the most exciting voices in horror today. Us is a film that is both terrifying and thought-provoking, and it is sure to become a classic of the genre.

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