Inspiration and Imitation

Here are some clips from films that inspire me:

Ratched (2020)

Us (2019)

Get Out (2017)

The Queen's Gambit (2020)

The first three clips are all a part of a horror/thriller production and there are elements of each that have inspired me. Ratched is a psychological thriller that follows a clever young woman as she infiltrates a mental health facility for reasons unknown to the audience. Viewers are taken on a journey as her motives and backstory are slowly unveiled throughout the show as the narrative progresses. The storytelling is intriguing with disturbing and unsettling moments that make it memorable--something I'd like to imitate in my own film. The scene I attached depicts a woman, Charlotte, with multiple perturbing personalities interacting with a psychiatrist. The camerawork, the cinematography, of this clip in addition to the effectiveness of Charlotte's character and her dialogue are inspiring elements of this scene.

Us is a psychological horror that follows a woman and her family as a horrific event disrupts their summer vacation. The cinematography and editing are noteworthy, but what I most admire is the plot and the meaning behind the story's many elements and turns. The film features an allegory about the haves and have-nots that may not be apparent in an initial viewing, but clearly demonstrates themes of class consciousness and even a proletariat uprising. Movie-goers believe they have most of the story until the end of the movie where a plot twist results in a paradigm shift, reframing the rest of the film. The attached scene depicts said plot twist that expands on the events shown at the beginning of the film. In a sense, I would like to lead viewers on and betray their trust in the same fashion that makes Us such a powerful psychological horror.

Get Out is a black horror film that uses microaggressions to tell a story of racism in the 21st century that horrified many viewers. Others, however did not view the film as more than a thriller and it was even nominated as a comedy in the Golden Globes. The way the horror of the film resonated with some audiences (mostly black) but had the opposite effect on others (mostly white) is unique and inofitself is a commentary on how racism is perceived nowadays. The clip attached shows the main character being eyed at the auction and purposely choosing not to engage with a microaggression, before experiencing his first explicit foreshadowing of what's to come. I'd love to explore themes on race with an intricate allegory in a similar manner to Get Out.

I admire the Queen's Gambit's cerebral narrative and cinematography. Although it is neither horror nor a psychological narrative, the storytelling is unique and very effective. The Queen's Gambit follows a young prodigy from her childhood into her young adult life as she navigates a successful career and the blurred lines of genius and madness. The intricacy of the plot, as well as the aesthetics of the show are things I'd like to imitate in my own film. The scene attached shows the downfall of the main character alongside beautiful colors that add to the story. The Queen's Gambit beautifully uses color to set tone and create moods--and I'd love to do the same.