13 Funny, Insightful Jordan Peele Quotes That Prove He's Scary Smart
Mia Lopez Even though the year isn’t even halfway over, it’s pretty safe to say that writer-director Jordan Peele’s Get Out is THE movie of 2017.
Putting the film’s almost perfect Rotten Tomatoes score aside for the moment, I can’t think of another film in recent memory that has tapped into the cultural zeitgeist so perfectly. It captures the current racial, political, and social anxiety in America in a smart, effective way that no other media has matched this year so far.
And it’s also a damn good horror movie. The kind of audience-shaking thriller that you absolutely have to see in theaters.
Instead of being all about jump scares or gore, Get Out uses the set-up of a young black man visiting the family of his white girlfriend to bring to life the terrifying truths of racial bias and cultural appropriation, a reality that that Jordan Peele has dealt with his whole life.
His penchant for social criticism might surprise some people because, before Get Out, Jordan Peele was best known for his comedy. But it makes a certain degree of sense that Get Out’s cutting insights originated in the mind of a quick-witted cultural comedian.
Peele originally found fame on MadTV in the early 2000s. But he didn’t truly break into the mainstream until he teamed with his former MadTV co-star Keegan-Michael Key to create the wildly popular Comedy Central sketch show, Key & Peele.
The show became a sensation, particularly online, and allowed Peele to share his hilarious perspective on race, media, politics (his President Obama impression was a particular highlight)… you name it. (The show lasted 5 seasons and led to the movie Keanu in 2016.)
But, if you haven’t already seen Get Out, you DEFINITELY have to — I’m already planning on seeing it a second time, to be honest.
If you’re a fan of his work OR if you’re just interested in how one of the smartest writers in Hollywood views the world around him, here are 13 undeniably perceptive (and often hilarious) quotes from Jordan Peele on self-identity, race, the film industry, and everything in between.
If you’re looking for a little inspiration, we’ve got the best quotes to share and savor. For quotes from the most inspiring celebs, activists, and poets, look no further! You might even find the quote that motivates the best parts of your life (and love!) forever.
