Jordan Peele’s directorial debut, Get Out, is a masterclass in suspense, social commentary, and the unsettling realities of racial tensions simmering beneath a seemingly polite surface. From the very first scene, the film grabs the viewer and throws them into a vortex of unease. At the heart of that opening sequence is a character who, while appearing briefly, sets the tone for the entire film: Andre Hayworth, portrayed by actor Lakeith Stanfield. But who is Andre Hayworth beyond a simple plot device? What is his significance, and what does his tragic encounter foreshadow for Chris Washington, our protagonist? This article delves deep into the character of Andre Hayworth, his role in Get Out, and the impact of his chilling experience.
The Anxiety-Inducing Introduction of Andre Hayworth
The film opens not with Chris, but with Andre, walking down a suburban street late at night. He’s talking on the phone, seemingly lost, searching for a friend’s house. Immediately, the atmosphere is thick with dread. The quiet, idyllic suburb feels menacing under the cover of darkness. The lack of pedestrian or vehicular traffic amplifies the isolation. Lakeith Stanfield’s portrayal perfectly captures the growing sense of anxiety and vulnerability.
Andre is a young, black man in an unfamiliar, predominantly white neighborhood. This simple scenario is laden with unspoken tension. Peele skillfully uses sound design, particularly the escalating hip-hop track, to heighten the feeling of unease. Andre’s casual conversation on the phone slowly morphs into a palpable fear as he realizes he’s being watched.
The sudden appearance of a luxury car and the subsequent abduction of Andre are shocking and abrupt. This scene serves as a potent introduction to the film’s central theme: the hidden dangers lurking beneath a veneer of progressive liberalism. Andre’s abduction is not just a random act of violence; it’s a meticulously planned operation, and we soon learn that he is not the first victim.
Lakeith Stanfield: Bringing Andre to Life
Lakeith Stanfield is an actor known for his captivating and often unsettling performances. His portrayal of Andre Hayworth is no exception. Stanfield perfectly embodies the character’s initial confidence, which gradually crumbles under the weight of mounting dread. His subtle facial expressions and body language convey the growing fear and desperation that Andre experiences in those final moments before his abduction.
Stanfield’s ability to convey complex emotions with minimal dialogue is crucial to the effectiveness of the opening scene. He makes Andre relatable and sympathetic, instantly engaging the audience and making them invested in his fate. His performance underscores the vulnerability of a black man navigating a seemingly safe space that, in reality, poses a significant threat.
Choosing Stanfield for this role was a stroke of genius. His presence, even in such a short scene, adds a layer of gravitas and foreshadowing to the entire film. He is not just a disposable character; he is the first domino to fall in a chain of events that will ultimately expose the horrifying truth behind the Armitage family’s facade.
The Significance of Andre’s Abduction
Andre’s abduction is more than just a plot device to kickstart the story. It serves several crucial purposes:
- Establishing the Threat: The opening scene immediately establishes the threat level in the film. It demonstrates that this is not a simple story of awkward encounters but a genuine danger to the black community.
- Setting the Tone: The abduction sets a tone of unease and suspense that permeates the entire film. The audience is immediately on edge, knowing that something sinister is lurking beneath the surface.
- Highlighting Racial Dynamics: Andre’s abduction highlights the racial dynamics at play in the film. He is targeted specifically because of his race, underscoring the film’s commentary on systemic racism.
- Foreshadowing Chris’s Fate: Andre’s experience foreshadows the fate that awaits Chris Washington. It suggests that Chris, too, is walking into a trap, and his life is in danger.
The abduction also raises questions about the nature of the threat. Who is behind it, and what are their motives? These questions linger throughout the film, adding to the suspense and intrigue.
Andre’s “Transformation” and its Implications
Later in the film, Chris encounters Andre again, but he is no longer the same person. He has been subjected to the “Coagula” process, his consciousness suppressed and replaced by that of an elderly white man, Roman Armitage. This transformation is deeply disturbing and has profound implications:
- Loss of Identity: Andre’s transformation represents a complete loss of identity. His body is no longer his own, and his mind is trapped in a silent prison.
- Commodification of Black Bodies: The Coagula process highlights the commodification of black bodies. The Armitage family views black people as vessels to be used and discarded at will.
- The Horror of Cultural Appropriation: The act of transferring a white consciousness into a black body can be interpreted as a twisted form of cultural appropriation. It’s a grotesque attempt to steal blackness for personal gain.
- Symbolism of Silence: Andre’s inability to speak or communicate his true self symbolizes the silencing of black voices in society. He is forced to conform to the desires and expectations of the white elite.
The scene where Chris tries to connect with the “new” Andre is particularly heartbreaking. Chris recognizes Andre’s eyes and tries to elicit a response, but Roman Armitage’s consciousness is firmly in control. This scene underscores the tragedy of Andre’s situation and the dehumanizing effects of the Coagula process.
Andre Hayworth: More Than Just a Plot Device
While Andre Hayworth’s screen time is limited, his character is far from insignificant. He serves as a crucial entry point into the world of Get Out, setting the stage for the film’s exploration of race, identity, and power. His abduction and subsequent transformation are pivotal moments that drive the plot forward and deepen the film’s thematic resonance.
Andre’s character represents the vulnerability of black individuals in a society that often claims to be colorblind but, in reality, perpetuates systemic racism. His fate serves as a cautionary tale, reminding us that the dangers lurking beneath the surface of polite society are very real.
Ultimately, Andre Hayworth is not just a plot device; he is a symbol of the black experience in America, a reminder of the historical and ongoing struggles for equality and justice. His story is a powerful testament to the importance of vigilance, resistance, and the unwavering pursuit of truth.
The Broader Context: Racism in “Get Out”
Get Out is not merely a horror film; it’s a sharp and insightful commentary on racism in contemporary America. The film explores various forms of racism, from the overt to the subtle, exposing the insidious ways in which prejudice can manifest itself in seemingly progressive spaces.
- Microaggressions: The Armitage family and their friends subject Chris to a barrage of microaggressions, subtle but offensive comments or actions that communicate hostility or negativity. These microaggressions, while seemingly harmless on the surface, reveal underlying biases and prejudices.
- Fetishization: The Armitage family’s fascination with black bodies borders on fetishization. They admire black people for their physical attributes but ultimately seek to exploit and control them.
- The “Sunken Place”: The Sunken Place is a metaphorical representation of the psychological oppression that black people experience in a racist society. It’s a state of paralysis and powerlessness, where one is forced to witness the world but unable to affect it.
Get Out challenges viewers to confront their own biases and prejudices and to recognize the subtle ways in which racism continues to operate in society. The film’s success lies in its ability to blend horror and social commentary, creating a thought-provoking and deeply unsettling cinematic experience.
The Legacy of Andre Hayworth and “Get Out”
Get Out has had a profound impact on popular culture, sparking conversations about race, representation, and the power of storytelling. The film’s success has paved the way for more diverse voices in the horror genre and beyond.
The character of Andre Hayworth, while tragically brief, remains a potent symbol of the film’s themes. He is a reminder of the hidden dangers that lurk beneath the surface of seemingly progressive spaces and the importance of vigilance in the face of systemic racism.
Get Out continues to resonate with audiences today, prompting critical reflection and inspiring action towards a more just and equitable society. The film’s legacy is a testament to the power of art to challenge, provoke, and ultimately transform the way we see the world. Lakeith Stanfield’s portrayal of Andre, though short, cemented the tone and theme of the entire movie, making it clear that even the most seemingly harmless situation can quickly turn into a nightmare. His acting prowess and the character’s narrative function contribute significantly to the film’s overall message.
What is the significance of Andre Hayworth’s character in Get Out?
Andre Hayworth, also known as “Walter” after the Coagula procedure, serves as the initial unsettling encounter for Chris Washington, the protagonist. He represents the chilling reality of the Armitage family’s insidious plan and the terrifying fate awaiting Black individuals who are lured to their estate. His seemingly erratic behavior and vacant stare plant the first seed of suspicion in Chris’s mind, foreshadowing the horrors to come and setting the tone for the rest of the film.
Andre’s character is more than just a plot device; he symbolizes the loss of identity and agency that the victims of the Coagula procedure experience. His physical strength, now controlled by an elderly white man, showcases the film’s exploration of the commodification of Black bodies and the exploitation of their physical and mental capabilities. He is a constant, unsettling reminder of the stolen lives and the perversion of racial dynamics present in the film.
How does Andre Hayworth’s interaction with Chris Washington contribute to the film’s suspense?
Andre’s initial interaction with Chris is crucial in building suspense because it presents an immediate dissonance. His warning to “Get out!” coupled with his disturbing behavior, such as running towards Chris at an alarming speed and then abruptly stopping, creates a palpable sense of unease and mystery. This encounter deviates significantly from typical social interactions, leaving Chris, and the audience, deeply unsettled and questioning the nature of the environment.
The ambiguity surrounding Andre’s actions heightens the tension significantly. Chris, initially dismissing Andre’s behavior as eccentricity or perhaps a mental health issue, gradually begins to suspect something more sinister. This slow burn of realization, fueled by Andre’s unsettling presence and veiled warnings, masterfully draws the audience into the film’s unsettling atmosphere and prepares them for the unfolding horrors.
What is the Coagula procedure, and how does it relate to Andre Hayworth?
The Coagula procedure, as revealed in Get Out, is a horrifying process invented by the Armitage family that involves transplanting the brain of an elderly white individual into the body of a younger, physically superior Black person. This allows the consciousness of the white individual to essentially inhabit and control the Black body, granting them a form of immortality and reinforcing the film’s themes of racial exploitation.
Andre Hayworth is one of the victims of the Coagula procedure. His body now houses the consciousness of Roman Armitage, Rose Armitage’s grandfather. This explains his erratic behavior, his moments of clarity where the “real” Andre briefly surfaces, and his desperate attempts to warn Chris about the danger he is in. He is a living testament to the Armitage family’s depravity and the film’s central horror premise.
Why did Roman Armitage choose Andre Hayworth’s body for the Coagula procedure?
The specific reason for Roman Armitage selecting Andre Hayworth’s body isn’t explicitly stated, but the film implies it was due to a combination of factors. Andre’s superior physical condition and athleticism, being a former track star, would have been highly desirable for Roman, who was aging and experiencing physical decline. The Armitage family’s motivation consistently revolved around acquiring desirable physical traits from their victims.
Furthermore, the power dynamic inherent in the racial aspect of the Coagula procedure likely played a significant role. For Roman, inhabiting a Black body would not only grant him physical prowess but also a disturbing form of control and dominance, reinforcing the film’s themes of racial subjugation and the commodification of Black bodies for the benefit of white individuals.
How does the film use Andre Hayworth’s character to explore themes of racial identity and cultural appropriation?
Andre Hayworth’s character, post-Coagula, serves as a potent symbol of lost racial identity and forced assimilation. His body is Black, but his mind is white, creating a jarring dissonance that highlights the film’s critique of cultural appropriation and the erasure of Black identity. He is essentially a Black man being puppeteered by a white consciousness, stripped of his agency and reduced to a physical vessel.
This forced assimilation is further emphasized by Roman Armitage’s adoption of some of Andre’s mannerisms and even his love for running. It showcases a superficial understanding and appropriation of Black culture, devoid of genuine connection or respect. Andre/Walter becomes a disturbing representation of the ways in which Black bodies and culture are often exploited and appropriated for the benefit of white individuals.
What are some of the subtle clues that hint at Andre Hayworth’s true identity before the Coagula procedure is revealed?
Several subtle clues are planted throughout the film that hint at Andre Hayworth’s previous life and the tragic circumstances surrounding his transformation. His brief moments of lucidity, such as when he warns Chris to “Get out!”, provide glimpses of his original personality struggling to break through. These moments are jarring and out of character, suggesting an underlying conflict within him.
Another clue lies in his interaction with the police officer. His reaction and the officer’s response suggest a prior relationship or incident, hinting at a past that predates his current, unsettling state. These subtle hints, combined with his overall unsettling demeanor, gradually build a sense of mystery around Andre’s character, ultimately leading to the shocking revelation of his true identity and the horrifying nature of the Coagula procedure.
What is the lasting impact of Andre Hayworth’s character on the overall message of Get Out?
Andre Hayworth’s character leaves a lasting impact by serving as a stark reminder of the dehumanization and exploitation inherent in the film’s central horror. His tragic fate highlights the vulnerability of Black individuals to insidious forms of racial oppression and the lengths to which some will go to exploit their bodies and culture. He embodies the loss of agency and the erasure of identity that are central themes in Get Out.
Beyond his individual story, Andre’s character contributes to the film’s overall message about the insidious nature of racism, which can manifest in subtle and seemingly benign ways. He represents the chilling reality that even in seemingly progressive environments, deeply ingrained racial biases and power dynamics can lead to unimaginable horrors, leaving a profound and unsettling impact on the viewer long after the film ends.