Key Takeaways:
– Before directing Star Wars, filmmaker J.J. Abrams rejuvenated both the Mission Impossible and Star Trek franchises.
– Abrams collaborated with Steven Spielberg to create the 2011 sci-fi thriller, Super 8, a movie that harked back to classic Spielberg films.
– Super 8's story and tone have significantly influenced popular Netflix series, Stranger Things.
– The Duffer Brothers, creators of Stranger Things, appreciated Super 8's non-ironic and sincere storytelling.
In the annals of 21st-century cinema, director J.J. Abrams occupies a prominent position. His work on popular franchises like Mission Impossible, Star Wars and Star Trek has thrilled audiences worldwide. But, his 2011 film, Super 8, stands as a testament to the true magic of moviemaking that he skillfully harnessed.
A Dive Into Abrams' Impressive Career
Abrams' sterling career began on a high note. Following the initial stutter of the second installment, he crucially steered the third Mission Impossible film to success. His adaptation of Star Trek was well received, launching a modern era for the franchise. However, it was his creation Super 8, a project closely collaborated with legendary Steven Spielberg, that remains a crown jewel in his repertoire.
Birth of Super 8: A Blend of Nostalgia and Originality
Super 8, a sci-fi thriller set in the 70s, narrates the story of a group of kids who stumble upon strange occurrences in their town while shooting a film on their Super 8 camera. Featuring Elle Fanning, Kyle Chandler and many others, Super 8 bore a resemblance to classic Spielberg's sci-fi features such as E.T. and The Goonies. Abrams, inspired by Spielberg's art, decided to contact him directly about the idea, leading to the birth of this unique film.
In a chat with Forbes, Abrams stated that Spielberg assisted him greatly in shaping the story. They captured the essence of a ‘true Amblin movie,' grounding characters in reality while stirring in elements of otherworldly mystery. The outcome was a highly successful film that resonated deeply with audiences, reinstating the thrill of Spielberg's era of sci-fi movies.
The Ripple Effects: Super 8's Impact on a Netflix Giant
Super 8's influence reaches further than mere monetary success. The Netflix hit series, Stranger Things, draws substantial inspiration from the 2011 film. While modern storytelling often involuntarily leans towards irony, the Duffer Brothers admired Super 8's sincere storytelling style. They believed it was a tone needed to recapture the magic once wielded by the family storytelling genre.
In a 2023 interview, they credited Super 8 for reminding audiences of sincere, adventurous, and family-centric narratives. They asserted that unlike most of the fleeting trends in filmmaking, Super 8's impact was lasting. This encouraged them to infuse similar tones into Stranger Things, a show widely loved for its adventurous and mysterious nature.
Looking Forward
As the finale of Stranger Things enters its shooting phase, Super 8's legacy proves that truly sincere storytelling withstands the test of time. Its influence can be spotted in one of the most successful series on Netflix today. Meanwhile, Abrams continues his cinematic journey, with upcoming projects promising the same excitement and engagement.
Fans worldwide can relive the magic, mystery, and nostalgia of Super 8 on Paramount+. As genuine stories with relatable characters continue to captivate audiences, it proves Spielberg and Abrams' vision in Super 8 remains resonant and evergreen.
As young and aspiring future filmmakers continue their journey, the fascinating charm of Abrams' Super 8 and its impact on mainstream series like Stranger Things stands as a steadfast beacon, reflecting the necessity and demand for sincere, original storytelling.
