Thinking about some posts about Nope that I saw on here the other night, namely about Gordy and the digestion scene about halfway through.
Before going into the film, I knew all about the Gordy subplot (I got really freaked out by Us so wanted to make sure Iβd go into this one knowing what was up ahead). I knew the film began with a scene from Gordyβs Home, post-chimp mauling. That said, I still braced myself for impact: some kind of jump scare. I remember sitting in the theater with my fingers in my ears because I startle easily and wanted to prepare myself. But none came. All Gordy did was stare right at us β creepy, but it couldβve been worse.Β
A jump scare wouldβve been too easy. It wouldβve been cheap. It also would have made Gordy into a monster as opposed to a frightened animal exploited on set. We donβt see Gordy attack anyone on-screen for the same reason. Preventing this kind of spectacle requires treating both Gordy and his victims with humanity.
I remember not wanting to look Gordy in the eye in theaters because the shot was so unsettling. I felt the same way about the scene where we see everyone at Jupiterβs Claim being consumed by Jean Jacket. It was the one scene I couldnβt bring myself to watch because it triggered my claustrophobia. I avoided that spectacle, too β maybe Iβm too sensitive, but also, maybe I responded the way Jordan Peele hoped for. lol