I went into Cloverfield not sure what to expect. The New-York-City-getting-fucked-up-by-a-Big-Bad is a plot device that is beginning to show its age. I was also wary of the Handicam-style of filmmaking. Sitting through ninety minutes of jerky home video footage could quickly become a test of patience. And the cast had the bland, generic good looks typical of teen soap operas. But I actually had a lot of fun at this movie. It has the reassuring predictable elements of most monster movies: the destruction of a famous landmark or two, the epic throwdowns between the monster and the military, and terrified citizenry running and screaming through streets strewn with rubble. Yet it also includes a few elements that invigorate and propel the story forward. A movie is doing something right when it elicits surprised yelps from me. The script is also funny in its self-awareness. When one character first catches a glimpse of the monster and asks what is, another character gives a hurried reply: “I dunno. Something terrible.” Minutes later, after encountering something equally horrific, he responds to the same question with “Something else. Also terrible.”
I try with all my might to explain why the short answers you mention are …so great. They have some comic aspect that reminds me of Laurel and Hardy, and I don’ know why. Maybe it’s the kind of humor that grows out of something deeply tragical.
I really enjoyed Cloverfield for what it was – smart, funny action flick, with relatable characters. I had the same apprehensions about the shaky cam style as you did, especially after seeing the latest Bourne. Turned out the concerns were unfounded, despite all the warnings. Those quotes you mentioned made the entire audience laugh, not just me.
The guy I went to see the movie with, however, was complaining about Marlena’s character, calling her useless. He was upset about her repeated rejecting Hud, I think. I told him Marlena’s purpose was a) to save Hud and b) spectacular exit scene. Also, I thought she was entirely believable and real as a character – party girl who doesn’t want to have anything to do with the guy hitting on her. A dime a dozen at any party within a five mile radius of anywhere.