Cube Phenomenon: A Singular Setting Movie Franchise
The 1997 Canadian independent science fiction horror film “Cube” had a budget of around 350,000 Canadian dollars. It earned $501,818 in the United States and $8,479,845 in other territories. Recognising its potential, French film distributor Samuel Hadida’s company Metropolitan Filmexport invested $1.2 million in a marketing campaign, including flyers in various cities and bringing cast members to France. The film became the second highest-grossing movie in France that summer, credited to its distinctive concept, minimalist set design, and resourceful production techniques.
Cube (1997)
“Cube” is a 1997 science fiction horror film directed by Vincenzo Natali. The story revolves around a group of strangers who find themselves trapped in a maze of deadly mystery rooms. The film begins with a man named Quentin waking up in a small, cubic room with no recollection of how he got there. As he explores the room, he realises that each of the six faces of the cube has a hatch leading to another identical room.
Soon, Quentin is joined by other individuals who also have no idea how they ended up in the maze. The group includes a police officer named Holloway, a mathematician named Leaven, a doctor named Worth, an autistic savant named Kazan, and an escape artist named Rennes. Each of them possesses a unique skill that becomes valuable as they attempt to navigate through the complex and deadly maze.
As the group moves from one room to another, they encounter various deadly traps and puzzles. They must work together to solve these challenges and survive the dangers of the cube. Tensions rise as trust issues and conflicts emerge among the group members. Additionally, they begin to suspect that the cube was intentionally designed to test and eliminate individuals for a mysterious purpose.
The movie delves into themes of paranoia, survival, and the consequences of human nature when faced with a life-threatening situation. “Cube” has gained a cult following for its unique concept, minimalist set design, and psychological tension. The film is known for its intriguing premise, but it also leaves many questions unanswered, contributing to its mysterious and open-ended nature.
Cube 2: Hypercube (2002)
“Cube 2: Hypercube” is the 2002 sequel to the 1997 film “Cube.” While it shares some similarities with the first film, it introduces a new set of characters and an expanded concept.
The story follows a new group of individuals who find themselves trapped inside a high-tech, hyper-dimensional version of the original cube. The characters wake up in different rooms and soon discover that they are in a maze where the laws of physics and time are distorted. As they navigate through the hypercube, they encounter various traps and challenges that test their survival skills.
The characters in “Cube 2: Hypercube” include a computer programmer named Kate, a blind woman named Sasha, a colonel named Thomas, a doctor named Julia, an engineer named Max, and others. Similar to the first film, each character has unique skills and backgrounds that become relevant in solving the puzzles they encounter.
As the group tries to understand the nature of the hypercube and find a way out, they face increasingly bizarre and surreal challenges. The hypercube itself seems to have a mind of its own, manipulating space and time in unpredictable ways. The characters also grapple with the mystery of why they were chosen to be part of this deadly experiment.
“Cube 2: Hypercube” explores themes of reality, perception, and the consequences of playing with dimensions beyond human understanding. The film retains the tense and claustrophobic atmosphere of the original while introducing new elements to the story. Like the first film, “Cube 2: Hypercube” has gained a cult following, though opinions on it vary, and some fans appreciate the expanded and imaginative take on the concept, while others prefer the simplicity of the original.
Cube Zero (2004)
“Cube Zero” is the third instalment in the Cube film series, released in 2004. It serves as a prequel to the original “Cube” movie and explores the origins of the mysterious cube structure.
The story revolves around two technicians, Eric Wynn and Jax, who are responsible for monitoring and controlling the various traps and puzzles within the cube. Unlike the previous films, these characters are outside the cube and observe the events inside through surveillance cameras.
Eric becomes increasingly disturbed by the inhumane nature of the experiments taking place within the cube. He discovers that people are brought into the cube unknowingly, their memories erased, and are subjected to deadly challenges. As he becomes more sympathetic to the victims inside, Eric decides to interfere with the system to help a woman named Cassandra, who is trapped within the cube.
As Eric tries to sabotage the system, the higher-ups running the experiment become aware of his actions. The mysterious organisation behind the cube, known as “The Corporation,” takes notice and tries to stop Eric and Jax from disrupting their plans. The film explores themes of ethics, morality, and the dehumanising consequences of unchecked power.
“Cube Zero” provides more insight into the motives and operations of the organisation controlling the cube experiments, shedding light on the darker aspects of the overall narrative. The movie ties back to the original “Cube” film, offering some explanations about the origins of the cube and the purpose behind the deadly experiments.
Similar to the other films in the series, “Cube Zero” maintains a tense and suspenseful atmosphere, with a focus on the psychological and physical challenges faced by those trapped within the cube. The film adds depth to the overall mythology of the Cube series, offering fans a different perspective on the enigmatic structure.
Rights and Distribution
The rights to the “Cube” film series, including “Cube Zero,” were likely acquired by Lionsgate Films through a standard process of film distribution and acquisition. Film rights can be bought and sold through various deals in the entertainment industry, including distribution agreements, production deals, or acquisitions of existing films.
In the case of Lionsgate Films, the company is known for acquiring and distributing a wide range of films, particularly in the horror and thriller genres. Lionsgate may have negotiated with the original producers or rights holders of the “Cube” series to secure the distribution rights for these films.
The specifics of these deals, including the financial terms and conditions, are typically kept private. Film distribution deals often involve a combination of upfront payments, revenue-sharing arrangements, and other contractual agreements.
Once Lionsgate acquired the rights to the “Cube” series, it would have been responsible for distributing the films, marketing them, and potentially producing any future instalments in the franchise. The acquisition of film rights is a common practice in the film industry and allows studios like Lionsgate to build diverse portfolios of films for distribution.
Cube (2021): Japanese remake
Original title: Cube: Ichido haittara, saigo
This science fiction horror film is a remake of the first instalment in the Cube series made in 1997. The movie was written by Koji Tokuo and directed by Yasuhiko Shimizu. Released in Japan on October 22, 2021.
As a filmmaking student, there are several valuable lessons to learn from the “Cube” phenomenon and its singular setting movie franchise. Here are some key takeaways:
- Innovative Concept: “Cube” stands out for its innovative and original concept of placing characters in a labyrinthine structure filled with deadly traps. Filmmaking students can learn the importance of developing unique and thought-provoking concepts that captivate audiences and set their projects apart.
- Effective Use of Limited Resources: With a modest budget, “Cube” demonstrated the effectiveness of resourceful filmmaking. The film’s success wasn’t reliant on expensive sets or elaborate special effects but rather on a creative approach to set design, lighting, and storytelling. This underscores the significance of making the most of available resources in independent filmmaking.
- Minimalist Set Design: The minimalist set design in “Cube” contributed significantly to its eerie atmosphere. Filmmaking students can learn the impact of simplicity and how a well-crafted, focused set can enhance storytelling and engage the audience. It also highlights the importance of creativity in overcoming budget constraints.
- International Appeal: The success of “Cube” in various territories, including France, emphasises the potential for films with a universal appeal. Filmmaking students can learn the importance of creating stories that transcend cultural boundaries and resonate with a global audience.
- Strategic Marketing: The French distributor’s $1.2 million marketing campaign for “Cube” played a crucial role in its success. Filmmaking students can understand the significance of strategic marketing efforts, including promotional materials, events, and engaging with audiences to build anticipation and interest in their projects.
- Exploration of Themes: “Cube” delves into themes of survival, human nature, and the consequences of technological experimentation. Filmmaking students can learn the importance of weaving thought-provoking themes into their narratives, adding depth and resonance to their films.
- Franchise Potential: The success of “Cube” led to sequels, showcasing the potential for creating a franchise around a compelling concept. Filmmaking students can explore the possibilities of expanding a unique idea into a series or franchise, provided the core elements that captivate audiences are maintained.
In essence, the “Cube” phenomenon provides filmmaking students with valuable insights into creativity, resourcefulness, international appeal, marketing strategies, and the potential for building franchises around innovative concepts.
