Introduction
The Purge is a horror franchise created by James DeMonaco and released by Blumhouse Productions. It consists of four films: The Purge (2013), The Purge: Anarchy (2014), The Purge: Election Year (2016), and The First Purge (2018). The premise of the series revolves around an annual event in which all crime, including murder, is legal for 12 hours. This article will explore what is the best Purge movie by analyzing the themes and messages in each installment, looking back at how the franchise has evolved, comparing the cast and crew of each movie, examining the technical aspects, and exploring how each movie subverts horror tropes.
An Analysis of the Themes and Messages in Each Movie
The Purge (2013) follows a wealthy family as they attempt to survive the night of the annual purge. The movie addresses themes of class disparity, privilege, and mob mentality. The film also questions the morality of allowing people to commit violence without consequence. As writer/director DeMonaco stated, “It’s a movie about class warfare. If you have money, you can buy your way out of anything.”
The Purge: Anarchy (2014) shifts focus from the upper class to the lower class. It follows a group of individuals who are trying to survive the night of the annual purge. This installment explores bigger issues such as civil unrest, poverty, and inequality. Additionally, it serves as a commentary on the government’s role in controlling citizens through fear and violence. As DeMonaco explained, “It’s a movie about how our government, unfortunately, uses fear to control us.”
The Purge: Election Year (2016) takes place during the election year of 2040. It follows a senator who is running for president on a platform to abolish the annual purge. The movie tackles topics such as corruption, racism, and the power of the wealthy elite. It also raises questions about the consequences of unchecked power and the need for social reform. As DeMonaco said, “It’s a movie about the power of the 1%, and how they use the annual purge to maintain their status quo.”
The First Purge (2018) is a prequel to the other three movies. It follows a group of people living in Staten Island who are participating in the first ever annual purge. This installment dives deeper into the psychological effects of violence and explores the idea of using fear as a tool for population control. As DeMonaco stated, “It’s a movie about how fear is used to manipulate people and create chaos.”
A Retrospective Look at the Evolution of the Franchise
Since its debut in 2013, the Purge franchise has seen many changes. While the core concept remains the same, there have been shifts in cast and crew, development of themes and messages, and changes in horror tropes. Let’s take a look at some of the ways the franchise has evolved over the years.
A Comparison of the Cast and Crew of Each Movie
The Purge (2013) was directed by James DeMonaco, written by DeMonaco and Sébastien K. Lemercier, and starred Ethan Hawke, Lena Headey, and Max Burkholder. The Purge: Anarchy (2014) was directed by DeMonaco, written by DeMonaco and Lemercier, and starred Frank Grillo, Carmen Ejogo, and Zach Gilford. The Purge: Election Year (2016) was directed by DeMonaco, written by DeMonaco and Paul Grellong, and starred Grillo, Elizabeth Mitchell, and Mykelti Williamson. The First Purge (2018) was directed by Gerard McMurray, written by DeMonaco and McMurray, and starred Y’lan Noel, Lex Scott Davis, and Joivan Wade.
A Review of the Technical Aspects
The cinematography of the Purge franchise is characterized by dark, moody lighting, wide shots, and inventive camera angles. The sound design is immersive, with a mix of eerie soundscapes and intense music that helps to build tension. The visual effects are minimal but effective, adding an extra layer of suspense to the already intense scenes. All these elements combine to create a unique and unsettling atmosphere that is signature to the franchise.
An Exploration of How Each Movie Subverts Horror Tropes
The Purge franchise stands out from other horror films due to its creative use of satire. It subverts traditional horror tropes by introducing unexpected plot twists and introducing suspenseful elements. Additionally, each installment features characters who are not typical horror stereotypes. This adds a layer of complexity that is often missing from other films in the genre.
An Examination of the Impact of Each Movie on Popular Culture
The success of the Purge franchise has had a significant impact on popular culture. The films have become a cultural phenomenon, with fans engaging in debates about the themes and messages presented in each installment. Additionally, the movies have generated a lot of buzz online, with social media users discussing the films and sharing their thoughts. Finally, the franchise has also influenced other horror films, with filmmakers drawing inspiration from the series’ subversive approach to horror.
Conclusion
The Purge franchise has become one of the most successful horror franchises of all time. It has explored a variety of themes, from class disparity to civil unrest, and addressed important issues such as corruption, racism, and inequality. Through its creative use of satire and unexpected plot twists, the franchise has subverted horror tropes and pushed the boundaries of the genre. The success of the franchise has had a major impact on popular culture, inspiring other filmmakers and sparking conversations about the issues presented in each installment. After carefully analyzing the themes, cast and crew, technical aspects, and impact of each movie, it is clear that The Purge: Election Year is the best Purge movie.
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