Saturday, February 18, 2006

MirrorMask – 2005

     Well, this is an unusual weekend. Friday’s flick was good, and Saturday’s was even better. This movie is outstanding! This is everything that independent film making is about. Of course, this one had a budge that was significantly higher than most ($4M, according to IMDB). Still, this is no mainstream movie. I notice that it didn’t do well theatrically, and that’s not surprising. There’s no way a mainstream studio will know how to market this, and no way those mega multiplex’s will support it. But now, on DVD, this movie can be marketed and its glories told.

This is a unique movie, with images and ideas never before seen. The writer is Neil Gaiman, a name you may recognize. He is the artist/writer who created The Sandman, a justly renowned comic. Also, he wrote Neverwhere for the BBC, an excellent miniseries you would do well to look up and buy or rent.

The plot is complex and rich, the imagery fresh and unique, and acting and music first class. This movie is a treat on almost every level. Trying to summarize this movie will do unjust violence to it. Lets just say that this movie is a descendent of the classic Labyrinth with David Bowie (who they tried to get for MirrorMask, and wouldn’t THAT have been cool!).

The disc has subtitles, and the commentary features the Director and Neil Gaiman himself, so there’s lots of good info and insight there as well.

Five beers out of five (and without any nudity too, a real feat!)