J.J. Abrams Discounts Similarities Between Super 8 and Cloverfield Creatures
Even if you haven't seen Super 8, you probably know something about the third act creature thanks to spoilers from Paramount, Bruce Greenwood, and moviegoers who have loudly contested that the sci-fi thriller's monster looks a lot like the one in the Abrams-produced film Cloverfield. Finally, J.J. Abrams has responded to this allegation, but -- beware -- his explanation includes, of course, more creature spoilers.
While visiting MTV this week, Abrams addressed the monsters' alleged similarities.
"The only connection between the creature in Super 8 and the creature in Cloverfield is that they were both designed by the same guy, Neville Page," Abrams explained. "They actually look very different, but they both have two eyes, a nose and a mouth. So, in that regard, it also looks a lot like Laurence Olivier!"
Rather than just recycling aliens, Abrams and his production team put a lot of thought into the creature that came to be known as "Cooper" on set.
"The creature in Super 8 needed to be scary and it also needed to have the ability to have a performance and be a little bit less scary too," he said. "We didn't want a creature that was just running around thumping his chest and screaming. It needed to be something that was able to have a plan, have an experience. Smart enough to create something, build something. [...] Basically this could be someone who for some would be very scary, could be full of rage and also could be emotional and nuanced."
There you have it! Movie magic nullified by excruciating details about behind-the-scenes monster development. I think I'm good on the Super 8 Creature Explained At Length front. How about you guys?
· 'Super 8' Creature's 'Cloverfield' Connection: J.J. Abrams Explains [MTV]
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In all fairness, we could barely see both creatures.
**Spoilers**
Just saw Super 8 and was surprised and disappointed by how mediocre it was. The young actors were terrific, but their constant bickering got annoying. I know the 'talking over one-another' is more realistic and a reference to The Goonies etc, but it was way over done. The score was bland with no clear themes (period pop songs were occasionally used. The choices were uninspired and bore no relation to what was happening in the scene). The creature lacked character and was far too aggressive initially to be sympathetic. The story and character arcs were weak (the script written by J.J. himself is probably to blame). The much talked about homage to Spielberg's previous films has already been done to greater effect by the man himself in War of the Worlds (Tom Cruise washing the ash from his face in the mirror is a reference to the face-removing scene from Poltergeist for example). In the plus column: the art-department, set-dressing and costumes captured the late '70's setting wonderfully. In a nutshell: a flat, two-dimensional facsimile. Makes you appreciate just how rare a talent like Spielberg is. 5/10