In 2016, Dan Trachtenberg's 10 Cloverfield Lane hit theaters, earning rave reviews and pulling in over $100 million at the worldwide box office. While the film clearly pays homage to a variety of similar films, Trachtenberg has recently revealed that the movie also takes inspiration from three major video games as well.
Speaking during IGN's Watch From Home Theater presentation, where Trachtenberg provided live commentary for 10 Cloverfield Lane, the director revealed some of the film's video game influences. "I took as much inspiration from my experience playing Half-Life 2 and The Last of Us and Uncharted as I did from the movies I watched. The thing I always say about it is I find first-person games to be less immersive than third-person games. Even though first-person games - you are the character. It is you. But I feel like when we're linked to a character and watching their behavior. I can then identify and relate and feel more for that when, 'It's you! It's me!'"
In terms of tone, narrative, and other elements, it's easy to see how those games influenced 10 Cloverfield Lane. However, a different video game franchise influenced the movie's monster design. According to Trachtenberg, the creatures in 10 Cloverfield Lane were at least partly inspired by the enemies that players encounter in Microsoft's Gears of War franchise.
It's no doubt interesting for fans of 10 Cloverfield Lane to learn about the movie's video game influences, but they may also be interested to learn about the potential for a direct sequel to the movie. During the presentation, Trachtenberg indicated that he would "love" to do a sequel, but also feels it isn't necessary. "I would if I could, but I don't feel that we need to," he explained.
10 Cloverfield Lane is currently available on home media.
Source: IGN