Review of MirrorMask (2005) by Jess K — 06 Feb 2010

With a visual style almost as distinct, and noticeably low-tech, as any Terry Gilliam movie, Mirrormask is a wonderfully designed film. Not all of the various creatures are exactly pleasing, but most are at least original.

Unfortunately the rest of the film is neither pleasing nor original. With Neverwhere, Coraline, Stardust and MirrorMask Gaiman's work has become formulaic: troubled young person stumbles into a strange world, which opposes another, encounters quirky characters, and becomes the only person who can save this new world, threatened by something that they are partially responsible for, while resolving their initial troubles.

Usually this turns out pretty well but this time the dialogue is flat, the quirks don't work, and (even with two somewhat intense scenes) there is no tension or suspense. The use of Helena's artwork throughout the film is immersive, and likely the highlight, but this is then broken by a fusion jazz soundtrack so out of place it borders on obscene.

Once the initial luster fades, MirrorMask is actually quite dull.