"Cloverfield" exemplifies generational reactions
Tim Hillmann
Issue date: 1/29/08 Section: Arts & Society
The film also stands as a commentary for this generation's obsession with video and pictures. With the ability to take a picture or video from any cell phone or digital camera, our generation is drowning in the wave of video overstimulation. With Big Brother sites like YouTube, Facebook and MySpace hosting videos and pictures, nearly everything seems to be captured somewhere. Many times throughout the film the characters tell the camera man to put the camera down in order to avoid danger. However, the camera man always responds that "People are going to want to see this" or "I need to document."
The ending to the film furthers this commentary through a quick "don't blink or you've missed it" image of (SPOILER ALERT) what Abrams has admitted to being a satellite dropping out of the sky. This footage is from a few days before the monster attack. Bloggers have speculated that this is what caused the monster to wake up. However, one has to look at a satellite for what it is--a piece of technology that can take pictures or video of anywhere around the globe and has the capability to relay communication between places. Perhaps Abrams is saying that over communication will be our ultimate doom.
Abrams gives the viewer one more Easter egg at the end of the film's credits, so be sure to stick around for it. If you listen real closely, a voice says, "Help us." If this wasn't creepy enough, online bloggers have found that, when reversed, the message says, "It's still alive." If you're a fan of "Lost," you know that Abrams is not one to explain everything in the first chapter. Therefore, a sequel to this cornucopian film of unknowns is inevitable.
Bottom Line: Do you actually see the monster? Yes. Will I get dizzy? Yes. Is it a damn fun ride? Hell yes. Check out "Cloverfield" playing at the AMC Towson Cinemas.
The ending to the film furthers this commentary through a quick "don't blink or you've missed it" image of (SPOILER ALERT) what Abrams has admitted to being a satellite dropping out of the sky. This footage is from a few days before the monster attack. Bloggers have speculated that this is what caused the monster to wake up. However, one has to look at a satellite for what it is--a piece of technology that can take pictures or video of anywhere around the globe and has the capability to relay communication between places. Perhaps Abrams is saying that over communication will be our ultimate doom.
Abrams gives the viewer one more Easter egg at the end of the film's credits, so be sure to stick around for it. If you listen real closely, a voice says, "Help us." If this wasn't creepy enough, online bloggers have found that, when reversed, the message says, "It's still alive." If you're a fan of "Lost," you know that Abrams is not one to explain everything in the first chapter. Therefore, a sequel to this cornucopian film of unknowns is inevitable.
Bottom Line: Do you actually see the monster? Yes. Will I get dizzy? Yes. Is it a damn fun ride? Hell yes. Check out "Cloverfield" playing at the AMC Towson Cinemas.
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