'Cloverfield': Roundtable day one

Welcome to both our sparkling new Misfits of Sci-Fi blog, a project dear to my heart, and our first-ever Zap2it blog roundtable. I'm thrilled to be joined by Ryan McGee, whose writing (including Zap2it's Guide to Lost) I've long admired; and Tamara Brooks, whose encyclopedic knowledge of the genre impressed even a longtime geek like me.

For the first roundtable, we'll be tackling Cloverfield, the mystery-shrouded J.J. Abrams monster movie that opens Jan. 18. When I saw the first Cloverfield trailer (then not yet named), it was while hellaciously hung over at a Beverly Hills cinema, while preparing to see Transformers. (Important safety note: Transformers is not the movie to see when fast movement and loud noise cause waves of pain.) I initially dismissed the movie as a coming-of-age snorefest -- as Abrams obviously intended with that cocktail-party opening -- and then came the great honking roar and explosions and the Statue of Liberty's head rolling down the street, and I was hooked.

What do we know? Well, a group of twentysomethings tries to survive when something monstrous attacks New York City. That's awfully vague, which is why I initially heard the movie was everything from a stealth Godzilla sequel to a serious take on the old arcade game Rampage. What I do like is that the movie is told, so to speak, from the perspective of a handheld camera. That method makes frightening circumstances even more personal, I think, by bringing us down to the eye-level of the cannon fodder.

What I also like is the Web-based alternate reality game filling in some blanks about the monster. While it's not to the level of AI's The Beast -- and in fact can't really be "played," but just followed by those of us interested -- the Slusho saga is giving us some neat glimpses at the whys of the movie. Ryan, you and I have exchanged plenty of e-mails about that.

Tamara, last I heard you hadn't sipped from the Slusho, so to speak: Do you think that'll detract from your enjoyment of the movie at all? Ryan, you've had some great theories connecting Cloverfield to Lost (another Abrams product). Are those out the window now? If not, how have your ideas evolved?

Comments

I'm not sure I have much to add to the discussion here. All I can say about Cloverfield is that I was all about seeing it until I realized it was the handheld camera-style type of movie. I won't be able to take that, JJ Abrams or not. In my opinion, that style adds very little to a movie when overused. I don't mind it for an occasional glance from the "level" of the character, but all that shaking really turns me off - I don't see like that in real life, so it doesn't really make me feel like I'm there. It just distracts me from the movie. Does anyone know, is the WHOLE movie like that?

Andrea | Jan 2, 2008 10:21:06 AM | #

---

My mom also doesn't like the shaky camera style..

Be a big girl and deal with it..or take a Dramamine....

Women are babies | Jan 2, 2008 12:52:28 PM | #

---

My mom also doesn't like the shaky camera style..

Be a big girl and deal with it..or take a Dramamine....

Women are babies | Jan 2, 2008 12:53:18 PM | #

---

Andrea, the entire movie is (at least from what little we've been spoonfed) shot from the perspective of handheld cameras.

WAB, I know plenty of men who suffer from motion sickness.

Andy | Jan 2, 2008 12:58:46 PM | #

---

I hate that shaky hand-held thing! When are stedi-cams going to come back in style? If your set doesn't work with that, I know plenty of camera-men who worked on Buffy, Angel, Firefly and Stargate who are able to walk around, run and climb stairs while keeping the camera steady.

Plus, since this is a JJ Abrams movie, what do you think the chances are that weird things will happen with no explanation/justification?

Mee | Jan 2, 2008 3:03:26 PM | #

---

I wouldn't be surprised if the monster in Cloverfield is the Smoke Monster from Lost (another JJ Abrams creation). The monster in the Cloverfield trailer sounds just like the Smoke Monster in Lost.

fedrich519 | Jan 2, 2008 3:13:51 PM | #

---

I was psyched until I saw the shaky camera throughout the trailer. If that's the way the whole movie is shot I will give it a pass.

Bobby4th | Jan 2, 2008 3:18:36 PM | #

---

I also can't take the shaky camera style. The last 2 Bourne movies were torture! I loved the story but mostly listened as looking at the screen made me feel sick to my stomach.

What I can figure out about Cloverfield really intrigues me. It's too bad, that like most of the other posters the shaky camera is the only thing holding me back from this movie.

Fresh | Jan 2, 2008 3:48:31 PM | #

---

There was a big rumor around town (Hollywood) last spring that this film had something to do with the 50th anniversary of the Blob. Probably because working titles were "slusho" and "cheese". Then there was also talk that it was a Lovecraftian Cthulu monster of some sort. Here's some of what has been sorted out quoting from news releases prior to Transformers release:

"So what is CLOVERFIELD? Well, word from inside the company is that CLOVERFIELD is a giant monster movie, featuring something that's being referred to internally as "The Parasite," and we’re going to see a trailer for it very soon that’s been designed and shot even as we speak. I’m not sure if it’s going to be attached to TRANSFORMERS or if we’ll see it later in the summer, but it’s definitely coming soon. And the end of it should feature one of those iconic images that makes people talk about a trailer for months."

A creature referred to as "The Parasite" certainly conjurs up some images. This caused some chatting up that it was somehow inspired by The Host.

Other rumor mill chat included such statements as the title Cloverfield is the name of a governmental special project or investigation ala X-Files styling of giving names to such things. Or that it's the name of an oil tanker that has something to do with either bringing the creature to NYC or instigating the creatures arrival. At the start of a clip recently provided to websites is the statement written in three lines:

Multiple sightings of case designate Cloverfield
Camera retrieved at incident site US 447
Area formerly known as "Central Park"

You can watch a 5 min preview located on the Vault of Horror website:
http://thevaultofhorror.blogspot.com/

What's visible from the preview is that there's a big explosion that looks something like an atomic blast with spewing debris that starts the panic, then another one, then the Statue of Liberty head comes flying down to the street, and there's a kind of loud roaring or groaning noise that could even be metal crunching, followed by buildings collapsing and a cloud of dust. At some point one character seems to remark about a smell or odor, and the last comments from one fellow are that he's seen it and it's alive. This could mean possible beforehand knowledge of the creature or maybe not.

Other rumors are that it's a giant tick-like or crab/lobster-like creature, which would seem in keeping with the term parasite, and lends some credence to a 'Host" type creature. Also, is it introduced from the oil tanker, or is it from the ocean, or was there some sort of meteor? There are also comments floating around that there's the giant monster, and many smaller ones that are in some way similar to the smaller ugly bug creatures from Starship Troopers. The whole style and atmosphere of this pre-release film hype might prove to be the best part of the production interestingly.

Also, visible behind a sheet, or clouded plastic screen in the current trailers is that somebody is being taken away against their will by what seems to be a couple of hazmat-garbed characters to the dismay of a crowd of people. This is also similar to The Host regarding a communicable disease, or indicating an X-files sort of government involvement, which was a theme in the remake of The Blob as well.

Whatever it is, it's sure to be unable to live up to the hype, as no film monster I've ever seen is quite as frightening as an unseen monster. A few come pretty close, but there's always somebody in the crowd unhappy with the creature's depiction. Plus there's too many images reminiscent of 9/11 in the film for my comfort.

RixRex | Jan 2, 2008 5:45:27 PM | #

---

WAB, I NEVER said it gave me motion sickness. I just don't like the style. I think it takes more away than adds to a story when OVERUSED.

Be a man and accept that other people, including women, may have a different opinion than you. That doesn't make it invalid, just different.

Andrea | Jan 3, 2008 5:38:04 AM | #

---

Add me to the list of those who think Paul Greengrass (or whatever his name is - director of Bourne 2 and 3) should be sent back to MTV along with everyone else who thinks close-shot, quick-cut garbage is a worthy film style. Just because you can give it a name doesn't make it a 'style'. See also: that idiot from last season of AI who whined that 'nasal is a style of singing.'

I'll probably rent this, just like I'll rent Bourne 3, but I've no interest in wasting my money on seeing it at the theater if the whole movie is in the (psuedo-)style.

Which is too bad (for me, anyway) because it really sounded intriguing.

Dan | Jan 3, 2008 1:20:24 PM | #

---

Looks like I am the only one who LOVES this shooting-style. I wouldn't like it in, say, an HGTV program but in shows/movies that require realism like "Friday Night Lights", "Blair Witch Project", etc., etc., I think this is perfect.

I am also really looking forward to this movie.

Sean | Jan 3, 2008 6:55:15 PM | #

---

I just Hope that this Is a Godzilla Movie, To make up for that piece of crap Godzilla movie from 1998.

Glenn | Jan 4, 2008 2:01:16 PM | #

---

I'll go to it simply to see what part greg Grunberg plays and to see the teaser trailer for J.J's "Star Trek 11" that's being tacked on to Cloverfield (might not have any of the filmed stuff though. Rumors are it's the Enterprise being built)

Ryan O'Brien | Jan 5, 2008 12:01:21 AM | #

---

I really wanted to see this one, but now I will not be attending. Nor will I rent it on DVD. Thanks to those of you that warned about the shaky cam.

Not to beat a dead horse, but some of us cannot tolerate the motion. Watching Bourne 2 made me sick for about 3 hours afterwards. So I never watched Bourne 3 which is too bad b/c I love the series.

For me it isn't a matter of whether I like the style (I too think it's way overused) it's simply a matter of biology. I was born prone to motion sickness and do not think I should have to bring an air sickness bag to the multiplex. Nor do I think anyone would want to sit next to me if I did. So I'll stay home and watch something else - without the shakes.

Cy | Jan 5, 2008 11:15:43 AM | #

---

It could be something totally off the chart, maybe there is a reason why the monster is attacking New York other than the city being the favorite stomping ground of movie producers.

jabra_pride | Jan 6, 2008 9:35:50 PM | #

---

If any movie has "the right" to overuse the shaky camera style it's this one... why you say ... well because the WHOLE movie will be combined out of footage shot by some character’s camera. I mean if anyone here would decide to record an event of a magnitude as it is the case in Cloverfield I am sure that you wouldn’t keep your cool but you would shake like twig trying to record as much as possible.
So to conclude… shaky camera is used properly. I mean even the plot outline is that the movie revolves around a monster attack in New York as told from the point of view of a small group of people, and their camera.

Igor | Jan 10, 2008 9:50:06 AM | #

---

The method of filming this movie (handheld camera used by a character) is the LEAST NOTEWORTHY aspect of the film. At least, as far as anyone knows so far.

Slusho!, Tagruato, TIDO Wave, all that viral/ARG stuff is way more interesting.

wilven | Jan 10, 2008 10:52:42 AM | #

---

I can't wait for this movie. America's own monster? If done right this well make me and many others extremely happy. And the whole idea of the shaky camera makes me want to see it all the more. For many years I have wanted to see what the actors see, so like the coolest part of the Doom movie, the film is in first person, you see what the characters see and not what the camera sees. Also its being mostly shot by actual camera men and only at one point by someone not trained for the task, so dont worry, the shaking will be minimal at best, apart for the times that the producer falls onto the street. And Hurray Slusho, I want it now!

drstrangelovez | Jan 10, 2008 10:55:41 AM | #

---

Its a known fact that the monster is not Godzilla, Abrahms has said several times its an original monster. Also the whole mini monster thing isn't entirely unture, while their not "spawn" of the creature, the monster apparently hosts barnacle style parasites around the size of a dog that can climb and cause havoc on the ground (for the characters especially).

Find out anything related to the movie at Cloverfieldclues.blogspot.com

Has all the best info (ie like teh stuff above).

Andrew | Jan 10, 2008 12:42:58 PM | #

---

Yes, according to director Matt Reeves, the film is shot 1st person POV. he explains that he wanted it to be like how he would capture an event such as this if he were there. "the camera stays on unless it is accidentally turned off or it's a get the hell outta here moment & theres no time to shoot." At those moments, the angle switches to a 3rd party POV so that the audience doesnt get confused by the action that takes place between.

i dont know if i would truly call it an "ARG" it is a viral marketing campaign scripted by bad robot and paramount. it is more of a back story leading up to the events that will play out on screen. it consists of several web sites: tagruato.jp, slusho.jp, jamieandtedy.com (password: jllovesth) and tidowave.com.

Ok, Tagruato is a made-up major corporation from Japan. They are in the deep sea drilling industry. Under Tagruato, are Yoshida Medical Research (who thus far hasnt had much to do with anything, but they do specialize in deep sea bioprospecting, whatever that is) Slusho! is a drink (kinda like a slushy) which has been very active in this entire thing, even going so far as to make special appearances in Heros on NBC last season. Slusho! is made from "seabed's nectar" a special ingredient that Tagruato supposedly found in the deep oceans. Slusho! is supposed to make you "happy" their tag line is "You Can't Drink Just 6." implying it's addictive. Rob, the guy that the going away party is for, he is going to work for Slusho!'s marketing department helping them bring this drink to the United States. Slusho!'s marketers have been very active in Japan. The Tagruato site has press releases claiming that their "Slusho! Smilers" had no problem giving their drink to animals as well as humans. Slusho! is the only Tagruato subsiderary with a stand alone website. Tagruato also has Bold Futura (yes, its the name of a Windows system font) who is into engineering. They created Tagruato's drilling stations (there are 14 located throughout the world and the latest was constructed in Sept. 2007 just off the coast of NYC). They also constructed and assisted Tagruato in the launching of a space satellite. Finally they have ParaFUN! Wax Distributing I have no idea what role if any they play, but have recently assisted in the building of a wax museum. Tagruato also seems to have a "whistle blower" among them who is writing cryptic notes and those notes are being shipped with the merchandise from the Slusho! website.

Now on to the Jamie and Teddy and T.I.D.O. Wave things. Jamie is in the movie, we know this because she is in the previews. Jamie is (was) dating Teddy, but Teddy is part of an environmental activist organization, T.I.D.O. Wave who exists to expose Tagruato to the world as being environmentally unfriendly, if you will. They claim that Tagruato is "destroying Mother Earth." Just after Thanksgiving, T.I.D.O. hacked into Tagruato's website and placed a PhotoShopped image trying to show Tagruato's deeds. Jamieandteddy.com exists for the purpose of Jamie being able to send Teddy video messages while he is out with T.I.D.O. In of the Jamie and Teddy videos, (there are 8 or 9 to date) Teddy sends Jamie a box and when Jamie opens it (the next vid) Teddy had a voice recorder and a strange bag and Teddy proceeds to tell her that the bag is evidence and needs to be frozen and that if she is hearing that message to wait for someone named Randy (also part of T.I.D.O.) to contact her. So, Jamie decides that thats Teddy's way of breaking up with her. So she goes off. Each video after that is Jamie yelling at Teddy up until the most recent videos where she eats the so called evidence (Tatruato's seabed nectar, Slusho!'s secret ingredent). Now while all this is going on, Tagruato's newest drilling station (the one off the coast of NYC) is demolished, sucked into the ocean (There is YouTube video of this in about 6 different languages). It is supposed that Teddy was on that platform when it went down. Good 'ol Jamie thinks he is still alive and well, just cheating. The video of this station's demise strongly suggests that our Cloverfield monster is to blame, but Tagruato (possibly with prior knowledge of this monster, but that's not confirmed) is blaming T.I.D.O. of the act and the T.I.D.O. members are in hiding of Tagruato and the police.

Yes, there are more details involved, that was the abridged version but it covers pretty much everything relevant to date.

Austin | Jan 10, 2008 3:39:22 PM | #

---

In 9 jamie is acting very loopy. I think (well rather hope..) She explodes due to some strange warm seabed nectar virus. Also after reviewing all the information I have no doubt in my mind that tagruato knows about the monster. Infact I think they may have created it.

JayBear | Jan 10, 2008 8:18:54 PM | #

---

Also, btw even though its POV through the whole movie I believe that it won't be as shaky as you are all imagining. It won't be nearly as bad as blair witch's camera angles and movement. Also I have a good feeling it will also be clearer than BW.

JayBear | Jan 10, 2008 8:22:53 PM | #

---

I think its a giant turtle

| Jan 10, 2008 8:36:27 PM | #

---

or voltron

| Jan 10, 2008 8:37:17 PM | #

---

Post a comment

Name:
Email Address:	optional
URL:	optional
Comments: