COOL STUFF

Watch in Awe: What Films Will the Russian Meteorite Videos Inspire?

by Alex Billington
February 15, 2013
Source: Movies.com

Whoa. I woke up this morning to learn that a meteorite had exploded into pieces in our atmosphere over Russia. In reality. At first I wondered if this had anything to do with that asteroid that's coming closer to Earth than any asteroid ever has (we're safe, don't worry). Apparently it doesn't, but what does it have to do with movies? Lying in bed watching the various dash-cam videos of the meteorite exploding in a ball of light in the skies over the town of Chelyabinsk, I couldn't help but think this not only looks like many movies I've seen, but everyone is going to be watching this video, and it's probably going to inspire some filmmakers. I'm already wondering when we're going to see someone draft up a found footage Russian meteorite movie?

First things first, we must acknowledge unfortunately via the NY Times that, "more than 1,000 people were injured, 200 of them children, mostly from shards of shattered glass." The meteorite caused a sonic boom and shockwave that shattered windows injuring locals, and sent down fiery fragments in the Siberian region of Russia. We're not trying to belittle the situation especially when it caused so much harm, but nonetheless many people will be watching these, and the striking visuals and awe of it will leave an impression. See here:

I'm also intrigued by Erik Davis of Movies.com posting about this incredible event as well. He writes in his post on it: "This is the rare meteor that's crossed over land, freakishly resembling many of the related sci-fi movies we grew up loving... While the videos are pretty breathtaking, we're totally fine with this sort of event remaining on the big screen." Indeed, same here. Beyond the obvious Deep Impact and Armageddon comparisons, it reminded me of (more Michael Bay/Roland Emmerich) films like the end of Independence Day or first Transformers, the scenes of when all the Autobots first land on Earth. Sure, there's references being made to missiles as well, but I'm more awestruck by the cosmic wonder of all this than anything else.

Once again, what does all this footage have to do with movies? Thanks to these videos, I'm just expecting plenty of sci-fi minds out there to be inspired to write or make a movie about this occurrence. Beyond the predictable found footage film or indie drama centered around the event, will other filmmakers end up inspired by these remarkable real-world visuals? Will it give them a good idea for a horror or sci-fi, or even a comedy, with all the crazy media coverage? Only time will tell. For now, these videos will definitely make their way around the world and as always, it's the astonishing surprises of reality that inspire great stories.

Filed under Cool Stuff, Discuss, SciFi

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