Cloverfield
Cloverfield
Cloverfield -
Overview
Positives
Negatives
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Brief Review
Cloverfield is a clever hybrid between Godzilla and The Blair Witch Project and is shot exclusively with a handheld camera. Although some people might not like the nauseating effect, I personally thought it suited the tense and desperate atmosphere and intensified the action tenfold. This smart film deserves to be watched as it shows an experimental way to shoot a horror.
Full Review
Cloverfield was one of the most hyped movies to smash onto the scene back in 2008 and some were worried it wouldn't be able to live up to expectations. Suffice to say it does and what we get here is a unique and smart action horror that feels fresh due to the nature of shooting.
The plot revolves around a fictional monster attack on New York and five friend's struggle to save one of their missing friends in the madness that engulfs the city. The story builds slowly with the start of the film disguised with shooting a party and it really does knock you into a false sense of security. After around fifteen minutes the story and action really pick up and the film doesn't stop for breath until the credits roll.
The exhausting and relentless action sequences actually enhance the story and keep the feelings of tension and struggle pulsing throughout. The nature of the shooting does prevent from seeing much of the action beyond snippets of horror from the mini-monsters and of course the giant monster which is a shame as a more traditional method of shooting would have maybe been more favourable here. The plot does cleverly include parts from a news bulletin where one of the bridges collapses and a better angle is shown which is good but unfortunately its the only inclusion on this front.
The acting, on the whole, is pretty poor but strangely it doesn't hinder the story. There's a lot of screaming and "Oh my gods" but to be honest how else are New Yorkers going to react to the situation? The acting really isn't an issue here and luckily all the actors aren't A list actors, helping the feeling of realism the film is so desperately trying to pursue.
Speaking of realism, the handheld camera approach has come under a lot of stick through the duration of this film being in cinemas. For anyone who suffers from motion sickness I suggest staying away from this one. The jittery and unstable camera could throw some people off and to be honest it does take a while to get used to. Luckily, by the time the attack begins your eyes will be adjusted to it and it shouldn't be an issue.
The special effects here are so well integrated they feel naturally part of the story with the monster looking suitably strange and gruesome and the Statue of Liberty head looking good also. The main area of criticism here is the blatant close-to-the-bone reference to 9/11 via the collapsing building and the cloud of dust. It works in relation to the film but I can't help but feel this was thrown in as a reminder of the terrorist attack, or maybe that's just my perception.
Overall, Cloverfield is a smart action horror dipped in moments of brilliance and despite the poor acting, which doesn't hinder the experience at all, is well worth a watch. The sheer quality of special effects on show is a wonder and the unique take on shooting from a handheld camera for the monster movie makes this a fresh experience and one that should be experienced by everyone. (Unless you suffer from motion sickness, in which case steer clear!).