Movie Media: What is JJ Abrams' Cloverfield Project?

By now, I am sure that many of you have seen that mysterius teaser trailer that ran in front of Transformers. It has no title, save for the project name Cloverfield, which may or may not have anything to do with the movie. It is being produced by JJ Abrams, who made his big screen directorial debut last year with M:I:III, and is currently working on a Star Trek project. Anyway, Matt Reeves, a past collaborator on Abrams television projects (Felicity, Alias), is directing this fast becoming interesting film.

Not much seems to be known, outside the fact that the trailer seems to promise some monstrous mayhem. The trailer is shown entirely by camcorder footage, a style which is rumored to comprise the entire film. It is a fascinating teaser that does not give all that nmuch information, yet has an incredible "What the...?" feel that is getting everyone talking. There is talk of sea creatures, Chtulhu, Lovecraft, and the Elders. So much talk that there is a bit of truth to it, but who knows? Not much is coming out.

Some have questioned whether or not an Abrams project deserves this amount of secrecy and hype so far in advance of its January opening. All I have to say is, why not? It has gotten people excited and talking about a project that is very secret and could get people to a theater on a cold mid-January day. All good things.

Recently, Abrams gave a call to Harry Knowles of Ain't it Cool News to give him a lowdown on some of what is going on. You see, people are talking about a seemingly connected website called Ethan Haas Was Right which offers puzzles with video clips giving some hints, if you solve them. Then there is Ethan Haas Was Wrong which offers up:

एथान हास वुड त्रय तो स्ट्राइक फार इन्तो थे हेअर्ट्स ऑफ़ में। दो नॉट बे शकेन ब्य थे राम्ब्लिंग्स ऑफ़ आ मद मन मय ब्रोठेर्स ऎंड सिस्टर्स। वी अरे अल सफे:
"The great cycle, the beginning and the end, turns just as the plans of the gods turn once again to the world of men.And they will come upon the earth only after the skies rain down fire and the very earth itself is made to shake and the great cities of men fall into ruins. Their plans are set and their purpose is clear; they come for war."

Weird, huh?

Abrams says that the Haas sites are not connected to the film, and the only official site is 1-18-08.com. That site holds a couple of photos that you can manipulate on the screen, neat but no solid info. Abrams also said that there are some true related sites around to be found. If you find any, let me know!

All I know is that the teaser was very intriguing. I cannot wait to see more footage or get a hold of any more information.

Take a look at the teaser, if you have not already seen it (and the Quicktime, if the YouTube one goes down):