unforum

[Meleria]

Theory.... Sorry if this is a repeat..

[FilmEdge]

Nearly all theories can still be valid at this point, given what little we know. I'll add a couple of my own theories sparked by your outline:

I feel the odds are against the 'creature' being the result of an earthly science experiment, if only that SUPER 8 is an homage to Spielberg films of the '70s/'80s and Steven's sci-fi based "mysteries" of that era were all unknowns not from this planet. Reason: one of Spielberg's key themes from CE3K to ET is communication, and therefore the alien factor is primary to the initial lack of connection between us and them. This vast difference in species/origin also provides the wide gulf in this lack of understanding.

Worth noting: Spielberg's two most inscrutable, incoherent and deadly villains of the era allowed no room for human contact or communication at all — the shark in JAWS and the murderous truck driver in DUEL, virtually one in the same "monster" in dramatic terms. While he excelled in both these hits, Spielberg quickly moved on to dramatize the problem of making connections with The Other instead of destroying it. If such films of the '70s/'80s are the era which influences Abrams most, then I'm guessing he'll follow that same pattern in SUPER 8 as his tribute to Spielberg's sensibility of the time.

Even as recent as WAR OF THE WORLDS, Spielberg paints mankind's greatest challenges/triumphs as those overcoming an alien, outside threat by human cooperation and unity despite our differences. Rarely has he shown interest in man-made problems to be overcome alone, but rather facing these outside threats help us resolve our own human differences.

re: Quasimodo — maybe I'm just of the right generation, but to me the Quasimodo toy/model signifies the kids' interest in monsters and monster movies, and by extension interest in The Other. Hence their creative interest in filming their own zombie movie (just like a young Abrams would have). It also demonstrates a popular youthful fascination with horror in adolescence, which is when most such 'monster geeks' start their collecting habit of such icons and toys. I suppose it's a psychological way to identify ourselves as The Other in society when, as a teen, we start feeling different, disliked or simply apart from others around us because we're suddenly 'transforming' before our own eyes.

As others have said here, mentioning KING KONG and the like, such kids/teens often identify with these alien, underdog 'heroes' in such stories and films for that reason. So these kids could easily either be both repelled/fascinated with the 'alien' in SUPER 8 or in some way identify with it when the military/authority attack it. Either would fit the CE3K or ET homage scenario which should be at the heart of SUPER 8 in one form or another.

Remember the Frankenstein-drops-his-pants toy in CE3K? And who did Elliott dress up as for Halloween? A hunchback. Clearly Abrams never quite outgrew such fascination with monsters either, especially with Spielberg as a filmmaking hero.