“The “feeding tubes” are basically elongated, and articulated external esophagus with the business end terminating in teethlike fingers.”
I figured that was as good a way as any to start this article – although another way might have been to ask: “Hey, remember Cloverfield?” It would be apt, considering since its mid-January release you’re hard-pressed to find anyone talking about it, or even mentioning it. The movie received generally positive feedback, but I think this lack of “buzz after the fact” indicates that people didn’t fall in love with it. I know I didn’t (I found it to be entertaining, but thought it could’ve – and should’ve – been so much more).
Anyhow, the monster at the outskirts of the movie (I’d say “center” but no, that’s Rob and his annoying friends) still intrigues me, and is still making news. A site called Tagruato recently chatted with the creature’s lead designer, Neville Page, and he cleared up some info about our poor lost monster (constantly referred to as “Clover” in the interview).
(If you want to see a picture of the bad boy, look below the text. If not, AVOID!!)
Q: How would you categorize the symbiotic relationship between the “parasites” and the creature? “The parasites are, first off, not the offspring as some have speculated. They are definitely a parasitic arthropod like creature that seems to be feeding off of the surface of Clover. Are they dropping off of Clover as a result of the “food source” being depleted? Or has a new food source presented itself? Although they seem to be useful from a cleaning standpoint, like a cleaner wrasse, they appear to be opportunistic feeders.”
Q: Aside from the color and translucence of the skin and the long, thin limbs, are there other physical characteristics that identify the creature as a newborn? The other characteristics would be its awkward movement and quadrupedal orientation (like a newborn child). Is it supposed to walk on all fours? Perhaps it will mature to be bipedal. Additionally, it can be speculated that the roars are actually screams of terror and/or calls to its parent. (note: is this indicating we’re going to see Moms or Pops in the sequel?)
Q: The appendages on the creature’s underbelly have been a source of great speculation. Hasbro’s description of the toy includes, “creepy people-sucking underbelly.” Director Matt Reeves also made reference to “feeding tubes”. You mention the creature has more than one way to eat. Can you shed some light on the form and function of this or any other aspects of the creature? The “feeding tubes” are basically elongated, and articulated external esophagus with the business end terminating in teethlike fingers. The reason for this feature was actually driven by the need for more personal interaction from a story standpoint. If Clover’s hands were to reach down and grab someone, it would not be unlike someone reaching down to grab an ant. The scale is so disparate that there would almost be no connection to the horror. So, we felt that there needed to be a feature that would be “relatable”. Sadly, the scenes for this were cut.
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