A monster movie unlike any other
What sets Cloverfield apart from other monster movies is primarily the fact that the movie is shot entirely on handheld digital cameras. Though not an entirely new concept, handhelds were used in Blair Witch Project a few years back, Cloverfield doesn't leave you feeling disorientated like Blair Witch certainly did. Instead, the handheld effect creates a truly immersing experience, running around New York City, you almost feel as though you're one of the group trying to flee the monster. Unless of course you suffer badly from motion sickness, in which case you'll want to avoid Cloverfield..
It isn't just handheld sequences either, the whole movie is in fact presented as a piece of lost camera footage. Where you'd normally expect an opening sequence full of credentials, you're simply given a screen of bars and tone. The only details provided are that the forthcoming footage is 'Property of Department of Defence' and contains "Multiple Sightings Of Case Designated Cloverfield' recovered from an area "previously known as Central Park". It is the perfect way to start the movie. My interest was piqued immediately.
Following the intriguing and unusual opening to the movie, it moves on to video footage of a group of people throwing a party for Rob Hawkins (Michael Stahl-David) who having received a lucrative job offer is set to leave New York city and move to Japan. The first 20 minutes are spent largely at this party where you learn that Rob still has feelings for ex-girlfriend Beth McIntyre (Odette Yustman) and you're introduced to Rob's brother Jason (Mike Vogel) and friends Hud (T.J. Miller), Lily (Jessica Lucas) and Marlena (Lizzy Caplan).