MirrorMask (2005)
With collaboration from the Jim Henson Company, MirrorMask combines superb digital computer graphics with live action footage. Dave McKean directs the film, his first full feature, working with long-time friend Neil Gaiman, the screenwriter for the production.
Many will remember McKean for the cover art he contributed to the infamous Sandman graphic novel series, also written by Gaiman. Released by Vertigo, Sandman was the only comic book to ever receive the World Fantasy Award.
Helena (Stephanie Leonidas) is the artist/heroine of the story, who unlike the classic superhero, winning against the forces of Evil in the name of the Good, puts things back in balance. Tired of working for the family circus, young Helena longs for a ‘real life.’ However, after a nightmarish journey into a world of her own creation, Helena realizes her own real life was quite charmed after all.
The score for the film was composed mainly by renowned British jazz musician, Iain Ballamy, and is all over the board. It includes polkas, waltzes, Indian and Arabic influenced pieces, new agey material, and a cover of The Carpenter’s, “Close to You.”
The film’s strength is in the animation, however, its other characteristics do not succeed in taking it beyond other films in its genre such as Labyrinth, The Dark Crystal, The Neverending Story, or The Wizard of Oz.
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Grading
- Story B
- Acting B+
- Visuals A-
- Originality/Innovation B+
- Enjoyability B+
- Overall B+
- DVD Extras A-
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