MirrorMask (2005)

MirrorMask is an astonishing and artfully produced fantasy film, unparalleled by anything I have yet seen. From the opening credits through every moment to the closing credits, it immediately entered my top 10 favorite films, even my top 5. It is something like Pan's Labyrinth meets Brazil and Naked Lunch at the Cirque du Soleil, with elements reminiscent of Moulin Rouge, Willow, Big Fish, The Fountain, Labyrinth, and the art of Basquiat. The art direction, costuming, and special effects are phenomenal, and (contrary to the criticism of some) the storyline is sustained and revelatory throughout. True, this is no The Fifth Element or Die Hard with postmodern grit, mayhem, and explosions; it is an intensely imaginative fairy tale. It is dreamlike but not somnambulist; the plot develops in a consistent and steady fashion and it held my interest and sense of surprise to the end. Stephanie Leonidas did a wonderful job in her (dual) lead role, as did Gina McKee in her (triple) role as her mother. I greatly enjoyed Rob Brydon as (I presume) her father, Dora Bryan (whose acting career dates back to 1947) as her Aunt Nan, and Jason Barry is the perfect foil as her "jester" ("important man") Valentine. The use of illustrative overlays, sepia tones, and antique crank cameras -- not to omit the imaginative creatures, expansive landscapes, and interlocked worlds -- throughout makes MirrorMask a sustained and always fresh movie to watch, and watch again. 5 stars.