Mirrormask [Blu-ray]

 

 

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Mirrormask is a film released by the late Jim Hensen's production company. It is directed by Dave McKean and written by Neil Gaiman. The two initially came up with the concept together and both aspire to bring the story further in manga and comic books. I can see why the Hensen company wanted to take on this project after watching the long term success of their projects from the 80s (i.e. Labyrinth and The Dark Crystal). Although I'm not sure Mirrormask got the exposure those films did and it won't likely gain the same level of long-term nostalgic success that those films did either. In fact, I'd challenge whether or not this story could possibly be appealing to any broad demographic at all. It seems directed at children but at the same time I think sometimes it may be too smart for its own good. I can see this going over quite a few kids' heads and it's not quite exciting enough to hold their interest visually. Still, there's some undeniable passion behind this story and I have to credit Gaiman and McKean for soldiering forth and ensuring that their project was finished. They clearly loved the story and it shows. It's a unique picture and at times it's very good, albeit perhaps not always interesting enough to prod the audience along for the ride.

Mirrormask follows a young girl named Helena (Stephanie Leonidas) who works with her family in the circus and longs to "join the real world". Her mother (Gina McKee) and Helena have a fight and then her mother collapses and needs an operation. Helena feels sorry for things she said to her mother and she begins to dream of another world full of metaphors for her real life and her struggles with her darkest traits. This is when McKean's style takes over and the art direction of Mirrormask becomes commendable. The soundtrack is also noteworthy and melts in with the film's visuals quite nicely.

The story is rich with far more details then I have indicated and the film is worthy of multiple viewings if you find it interesting but confusing the first time around. This sort of requirement is the reason I think Mirrormask is for a select audience. It is not The Dark Crystal or Labyrinth but it is somewhere in between those films and maybe Legend or The Company of Wolves. I could even see some comparisons to Something Wicked this Way Comes or possibly the more recent film Pan's Labyrinth. It is in the frame of a storybook fantasy but yet its complexity seems more appropriate for an adult and even though the overtones are for children and the undertones a bit more complicated, it is almost a shame that the overtones are also not exciting enough to hook a child in. Basically, that keeps Mirrormask aimed predominantly toward the imaginative adult demographic. Perhaps the same folks that still hold some regard for comic books. I'm certainly not saying that's a bad thing. Mirrormask is a very unique experience with great imaginations putting it together on their own terms.

This movie was recommended to me by a friend, and I am so glad I got a copy. It is mesmerizing. Such creativity and visual splendour. I enjoyed this very, very much and tell all my friends that we need more movie like this. I tell them they should buy a copy. Whoever created this movie is a genuine talent and we have found another movie by him and have ordered it. The Fall is the other movie. Can't wait!!

This is a title worthy of blu-ray visuals. The story lacks something but it remains essentially entertaining and the vistas that Dave McKean has created for this film are breathtaking. A must-have for fans of his artwork.

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5.0 out of 5 stars Awesome
If you liked Labyrinth and the Dark Crystal you will love Mirrormask. Visually stunning and one of a kind. A must see for all Henson fans!!!

Published on Dec 30 2008 by Tracey B

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