a review of 木乃伊

Mike Arrani
Mike Arrani @prometheanbound
木乃伊 - 评论

While not as good as the 1932 version (which I consider to be one of the best horror films of all time), this is still pretty good. What I find fascinating about this film is the Ancient-Egyptian funeral scene. I'll admit, I know very little about the mythology and/or the rituals of Kemet, but, what I saw here, seemed very authentic and well-researched. The whole scene was very long and methodical, and made sure to not gloss over any nuances. I personally think, that such authenticity adds to the horror. The scene of Kharis rising out of the swamp, or the one where he breaks into the asylum through the window, send chills down my spine. Masterfully executed, with long, uninterrupted shots to create suspense, as well as the very smart lighting and blocking. Also, although I already mentioned the burial scene as the highlight of the film, there is a second one, that comes very close to that title as well. It's that conversation between Mehemet and John, that occurs closer towards the end of the film. It reminds me of that face off between Dracula and Van Helsing in Tod Browning's Dracula. Only this time the viewer is also faced with a moral dilemma. The film raises an important question about archaeology and the lengths to which we are prepared to go for the learning and the sharing of knowledge.