New Scary Movie Is Making Viewers Sick

Beware "Cloverfield"! The new film directed by Matt Reeves is what CNN describes as the "first adrenaline-pumping monster hit of the year." (It made $40 million its first weekend in the theaters.) But the real monster is what it's doing to moviegoers: "Cloverfield" is making viewers nauseous.

CNN reports that the thriller, which is told from the point of view of five young New Yorkers using their handheld cameras, features very shaky camera work. And that is causing nausea and dizziness. Why? Watching the movie gives you a strong visual sensation of movement--but you aren't actually moving. One person told the IMDB.com movie database, "I had to get up and leave the theater for nearly 20 minutes just to keep from hurling." Doctors say it's a classic case of vertigo when things feel like they are moving but they aren't. Basically, the balance system gets confused. And this disconnect can cause nausea and dizziness. It's gotten so bad that AMC theaters nationwide are posting signs warning moviegoers of potential "side effects associated with motion sickness similar to riding a roller-coaster."

The good news: Not everyone is affected. If you're worried you will be and really want to see "Cloverfield," try one of these three things to combat the vertigo:
--Take a dose of Bonine or Dramamine II, both of which are sold over the counter, before the movie starts.
--Briefly close your eyes during the movie. That can help recalibrate your brain sensors and alleviate symptoms long enough so you can watch the rest of the movie.
--Wait to see the movie until you can rent it. Watching it on TV won't cause this effect since the perspective around the screen tells your brain that it's the film that is moving--and not the room.