Easter Eggs and The Movies

Let's be clear on one thing: when we talk about Easter Eggs in this context, we don't mean those gorgeous fat chocolate eggs that celebrate an event in the religious calendar we can't quite remember.

No, in this case, an Easter Egg is actually a piece of code (or something unexpected) that is deliberately hidden by its creator within software, a game, a film, or a soundtrack, as a source of amusement. It was said to have originated with early computer code programmers who would surprise their colleagues with weird messages, or events, set to occur at certain times. The term was coined after the pastime of hunt the Easter Egg.

An example might be a computer game within a boring word processor application; something totally unexpected by the user and as such, amusing.

And no, this should not be confused with a computer virus which although unfortunately shares some of the same characteristics, are usually malicious and damaging. Mind you, Easter Eggs, because they can sometimes cause other problems, are frowned upon by the employers. And as often happens in such circumstances, the Easter Egg has now its own folklore, an almost half-culture with its own sets of principles and rules, and its own fans.

Not least is what defines an Easter Egg. So here are the four key elements to a pucker Easter Egg.

Firstly, it has to be hidden. It's existence has to be not documented, or hinted at, and be completely out of context to what was expected by the user.

Secondly, it must be entertaining, amusing. It's not a joke that falls flat and is more embarrassing and cringe-making. A good Easter Egg is subtle, clever and causes a wry, ironic smile to play across the lips of the user. If it has the effect of a sledge-hammer, then it is too clumsy to be a true Easter Egg.

Thirdly, it has to be available to all who inadvertently press the right set of keys, or stumble upon the right command to open the Easter Egg. It cannot be for selected users only.

Fourthly, the Easter Egg should have some personal relevance to its creator; some link that has been intelligently worked as a personal statement. It is not there as a commercial strategy designed to get attention as a publicity stunt.

And finally, and most definitely, it does not act like a virus. It has no malicious intent whatsoever.

Okay, so there are the rules of the game, but how does it work in the case of movies?

Easter Egg purists believe that installing an egg into a movie is hard-going and it comes down to how well the egg is hidden in the first place and is, well, for want of a better word, subtle; in other words, it has been placed there with a light, sensitive touch.

So, you can see it's a pretty subjective call and the cause of much debate. But to give one example.

The latest Indiana Jones blockbuster, The Kingdom of the Crystal Skull, has the re-appearance of the ark in the warehouse. Now, this for some is too obvious an Easter Egg, although for others it has a nice sense of continuity from the first film. But, for the sharp-eyed, in the same scene was a long box which contained a replica of a prop used in the movie Ten Commandants: Moses' staff. Nice touch. And recognised by most as a good movie Easter Egg.

So, there you are. When next watching a movie, see if you can spot an Easter Egg. Mind you, that means discipline and concentration: so stay awake, forsake the double salted, triple jumbo bag of popcorn and stop slurping your six-litre coke tub with a bent straw. Then you might, just might, see an Easter Egg.

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