As with many of his projects, J.J. Abrams has been silent about his next film, SUPER 8 – until now. In conjunction with a new TV spot ran during the Super Bowl last night (check it out below if you missed it), LA Times ran a piece with the filmmaker finally dishing out some goods. Here are some key quotes that give a bit more insight on the picture.
“To me, all people need to know is that it’s an adventure about a small town and it’s funny, it’s sweet, it’s scary and there’s a mystery: What is this thing that has escaped? What are the ramifications of its presence? And what is the effect on people? But I know that’s not enough. Look, I feel we need a little bit of a coming-out party because we are up against massive franchises and brands and most people don’t know what SUPER 8 means. We’re a complete anomaly in a summer of huge films … and we don’t want to be so silent or coy that people don’t care or don’t hear about it.”
“As the process went along I realized I had the potential makings of my favorite sort of movie, which is the one that is the hardest genre to define. That because you could say – and be right – that it’s a science fiction movie; or you could say – and be right – that it’s a love story; or you could say – and be right – that it’s a comedy; or you could say – and be right – that it’s a special-effects spectacle. That sort of cocktail is for me what I love about movies… That was the beginnings of this movie coming together.”
“This is a movie about overcoming loss and finding your way again and finding your own voice. A boy whose lost his mother and the man whose lost his wife. There’s this father who, because of the era, never really had to be the parent. He’s a good man, he works hard, he’s a deputy in the town, but he’s never stepped up as father.”
“We have such a challenge on this movie. Yes we’ve got Steven [Spielberg]’s name on it and my name on it – for what that’s worth – but we’ve got no famous super-hero, we’ve got no pre-existing franchise or sequel, it’s not starring anyone you’ve heard of before. There’s no book, there’s no toy, there’s no comic book. There’s nothing. I don’t have anything; I don’t even have a board game, that’s how bad it is. But I think we have a very good movie.”
I don’t know about you guys, but all that talk made me pretty excited for the project. Sounds like all of the silence was worth the wait. SUPER 8 stars Elle Fanning, Amanda Michalka (below), Kyle Chandler, Ron Eldard and Noah Emmerich. It’s set to invade theaters on June 10th via Paramount Pictures.
The comment section exists to allow readers to discuss the article constructively and respectfully, focused on the topic at hand.
What’s Not Allowed