Super 8: A Nostalgic Ode to Spielberg and Childhood Dreams
In 1979, a group of creatively gifted kids are engrossed in making a movie with an 8mm camera. During the filming of a dramatic scene at a train station, a train unexpectedly derails. Chaos ensues as the military swarms the town, dogs run amok, people disappear, and strange occurrences become the norm.
“Super 8,” directed by J.J. Abrams and produced by Steven Spielberg, feels like a rare gem in today’s cinematic landscape. It’s a film where the creators seem to be genuinely enjoying themselves, prioritizing their own creative vision over pandering to specific demographics. It’s as if Spielberg and Abrams, despite being separated by 20 years, share the same childhood dream of the perfect movie, shaped by their love for films like “Indiana Jones,” “Star Wars,” and “E.T.”
A Throwback to the Golden Age of Spielberg
The film’s setting in 1979 isn’t just a backdrop; it’s woven into the very fabric of the movie. “Super 8” feels like it was directed by a young Spielberg from that era, albeit with modern special effects and Abrams’ signature lens flares. The familiar cinematic language is all there: the dramatic close-ups, the subtle humor that often appears unexpectedly (a nod to “Indiana Jones,” perhaps?).
A Celebration of Cinema and Childhood
At its heart, “Super 8” is about kids who are passionate about filmmaking. Each character feels like a loving caricature of real-life figures: one resembles Coppola, another Spielberg himself, and perhaps even a playful jab at Michael Bay. The mother of one of the characters bears a striking resemblance to Cybill Shepherd, and the character played by Elle Fanning is named Alice – a possible reference to the 70s film “Alice Doesn’t Live Here Anymore.”
“Super 8” is filled with references and winks for those who long for the cinema of yesteryear and the filmmakers who created it. But even without these nods, the film stands on its own as a witty, touching, and wildly entertaining experience. It’s a childhood dream brought to life. In short, to borrow a line from another great film, “to me, you are perfect.”