Jordan Peele Talks Being A Black Auteur And Disproving Myths Of Representation In Hollywood

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Fresh off a well-deserved, scare-the-money-out-your-pockets box office weekend for his horror Us and a PaleyFest panel for his forthcoming revival of the iconic Twilight Zone, Jordan Peele scaled down the spectacle and participated in the Upright Citizens Brigades (UCB) Q&A series in Los Angeles. In a conversation moderated by UCB co-founder Ian Roberts, Peele talked about his career in front of students of the famed improv training center and his role as a black auteur in a renaissance for underrepresented voices in Hollywood.

Considering the audience was filled with UCB improvisers and aspiring TV writers, producers and filmmakers, the majority of the conversation focused on Peeles journey from aspiring to be a director to his time at Sarah Lawrence College to Mad TV to Key & Peele to Get Out to Us. He even went into detail about the time he auditioned for Saturday Night Live with his impression of Barack Obama during the 2008 writers strike and had the opportunity to fulfill his dream of being on the iconic show, but his contract with Mad TV wouldnt allow him. He may not be bitter now, but back then he admitted that he was less than pleased — but all seemed to work out for him in the end.

Peele said that directing was always on his mind, but throughout his career in comedy, it kind of took a backseat. “I think I forgot about directing the day I didnt get into NYU,” he said. “Maybe it wasnt for me.” Still, he noticed that there was a lack of black directors and it weighed on him. As he moved through his comedy career with Mad TV and Key & Peele, pieces started to come together and he had a realization that in order to do exactly what he wanted he needed to produce his own things. He also had to direct — and thus his dream of being a director rushed to the front of the line.

RelatedTwilight Zone: Jordan Peele Discovers Rod Serlings Forgotten Dimension – Humor

Surprisingly, there was not much talk about Us to avoid spoilers — but then again, if you havent seen Us by now, what are you even doing with your life? However, there was also tons of talk about his creative process which has produced an iconic sketch comedy show and two stellar films. And like any good artist, his creative process involves a lot of self-doubt — and thats when the weed comes into play. Peele laughed saying that he smokes lots of weed, but its all with the confines of reason and self-care. Because of all the self-doubt, he partakes cannabis to “push himself to his loving side” — and that side has given us some great things.

Get Out established Peele as a black auteur. He pointed out how the social thriller not only reflected the unsolicited attention he has received during his rise of fame but his experiences as a black man in white spaces. With Us, he gave us a straight horror which isnt weighted with as much social commentary as his feature debut, but with a black cast, culture and music folded into the narrative, it contributes the growing need for representation in a predominantly white industry — especially with horror films. He doesnt necessarily feel a pressure to put black actors on screen nor does he feel that he should be limited to what kind of films he can make. Instead, he recognizes his plRead More – Source

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