ARCHIVE: 'Cloverfield' Film Review

Article originally published 01/17/2008 at myspace.com/aeriusprimus

What is Cloverfield? Since last July, fans have been seeking the answer to this question. Starting with an unnamed trailer that was shown before Transformers, speculation on the content of what has become the one of the most mysterious film releases in recent memory has polarized fans. Whether Cloverfield was a LOST spin-off, the next chapter in the Godzilla franchise or the big-screen debut of Voltron. Every fan had a theory.

I have seen Cloverfield and I will tell you one thing. This movie is a gift from JJ Abrams to the American monster movie enthusiast.

The events that transpire during this movie's 80 minute running time are, quite honestly, nothing new. A monster invades a big city. The government sends its armed forces to stop it. The confused and scared masses are sent running for their lives. We have seen this all before. What sets Cloverfield apart from every other monster movie is that it is shown to us from the perspective of the people we never really took the time to think about. The running, screaming bystanders who were always just fodder... with no chance of either slowing down the monster or changing the inevitable outcome of the film. Imagine being one of those people. One of the nameless thousands who's ultimate destiny is to become fodder. Now, what would happen if one of them had a camera and that footage was recovered in the aftermath?

I won't spoil the outcome of the film. It is best to go into this movie with the same level of knowledge and understanding of the coming events as the characters that you follow around an embattled Manhattan for 80 minutes. These people have no idea why or from what New York is under attack. Their instincts are to survive and make it off the island. From the first time the ground shakes and lights flicker, the footage that is recorded (by Hud, a rather welcome element of comic relief) is nothing short of exhilarating. As buildings are toppled, a small group of friends try in vain to find somewhere, anywhere to hide. By the movie's end, I was so exhausted by the feeling of dread and excitement that it took almost an hour for my arms and legs to loosen up.

And the monster? Ooohh... the monster. At first, we are given only glimpses of the beast. Hints of a tail, arms, legs... maybe more? It isn't until the film's final minutes, when an unobstructed view of the creature is finally shown to the viewer, that the enormity of it hits home. This is a completely original and terrifying, creation. One can only hope that we will be receiving an 18" action figure of this bad boy. Despite its absolute coolness, the Cloverfield monster isn't the primary source of the movie's terror. What makes the viewer most uncomfortable is the overwhelming feeling of dread. The feeling that, regardless of what you do, you are in a situation in which you have no control and there is no escape.

Would I recommend Cloverfield? The answer is an enthusiastic yes. Due to its 'found footage' nature, this unconventional film will draw comparisons to The Blair Witch Project. In truth, Cloverfield makes Blair Witch look like a parlor trick. There is no score, no credits (at least not until the end) and no feeling that this is a major Hollywood production. Instead, the movie thrusts the viewer into an 80 minute adrenaline rush from which they cannot escape. When it ends, you are left with the feeling that you have been a part of something both traumatic and invigorating. Cloverfield does not need an explanation. It does not need a sequel. This is a cinematic experience that will leave you wanting a deep breath, a stiff drink and another viewing.