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Home | Film Review: Mimesis (2011)

Film Review: Mimesis (2011)

SYNOPSIS:

A group of horror fans find themselves unwilling participants in a nightmarish role playing game that pays homage to a classic horror film.

REVIEW:

The idea of a red carpet premiere in the small town of Port Huron, Michigan is absolutely ridiculous to me. I grew up here and still reside here. Nothing of the sort has ever happened here before. All that has changed tonight with the Midwest premiere of the Michigan lensed horror film “Mimesis”. Several stars of the film, including Allen Maldonado, David G.B. Brown, and Sid Haig were in attendance with director and co-writer Douglas Schulze to present the film to the public. Now, was the film any good? Aside from a few minor complaints, I’m happy to say that yes, “Mimesis” is good. I went in with low expectations and by the halfway point, I was sold on the concept and enjoying myself with the rest of the audience. And the audience was eating it up.

For those of you who do not know, the term “mimesis” means “to imitate”. That sets the stage for the events that transpire during the film. Russell (Taylor Piedmonte) and Duane (Allen Maldonado) are enjoying a day at a local horror convention. Russell is excited to meet his favorite director (played by Sid Haig) while Duane is eyeing the ladies. They meet Judith (Lauren Mae Shafer) who invites them to an exclusive after party that only a select few know about. Once they arrive at the bizarre gathering, they mingle with some of the other attendees before…everyone passes out. The first to wake up is Russell and another party patron Karen (Jana Thompson). They are dressed in clothes out of the 60’s and once the zombie is seen in the background, it becomes apparent to the audience that they have found themselves smack dab in the middle of “Night of the Living Dead”. As more people show up, in the exact same way they show up in the film, they realize that someone is playing a sick game with their lives. The question is, will they be able to survive.

I’ll admit, it took me a moment to warm up to the flick. Not a long moment, it was rather short. I started to nitpick right away. My first complaint was when Russell and Duane show up at the party, it was broad daylight. Then as they are walking to where everyone is, it is pitch dark. Then a few moments later when Duane uses the bathroom, it’s pretty light again in the background. Then I thought to myself, things happen and it was forgivable. As the story began to progress, I found it to be predictable. The kicker though is that part of why the film is so fun was that the middle act is predictable. These people are living “NOTLD” and they are fans of the film. The zombies are out for blood, this isn’t your typical LARPing (Live Action Role Playing). I won’t go much further into the story but the concept is really unique and fun.

On a technical level, the film looked great. The lighting is spot on and the cinematography was top notch. The special effects were done practically and looked terrific. Not overly gory but enough to please the crowd. The score by Diego Navarro felt contemporary when it needed to be as well as classic at the right times. The locations were amazing, especially the old farmhouse that was used to replicate the original. I also spotted the Novi Sheraton in Novi, Michigan. I was actually there when some of those scenes were shot. I had no idea what they were being shot for at the time.

The acting from the cast was great. Sid Haig was reliable as usual with Allen Maldonado being a standout. I did however feel that Jana Thompson may have been WAY off on some of her delivery or maybe it was just her dialogue. Overall, a solid group of performers.

I really don’t want to get into specifics of the story, I knew nothing of the movie before watching it and if you have the chance to see it with an audience, don’t hesitate. It really plays great to a crowded theater. **** out of 5 stars. “Mimesis” is one hell of a fun film. Don’t miss it!!!

Mimesis is now available on Bluray!

Mimesis (2011)

2 comments

  1. You forgot to mention the great and wonderful… GAVIN G. GRAZER! Star of many shows (not to mention, one of the producers on Mimesis)
    But that’s okay you’re from a small town (in which I just had the great pleasure of visiting) with small-town aesthetics. Personally I LOVED Port Huron. A wonderful town with wonderful people, shops and restaurants.
    BUT I MUST disagree with your review (?) of Jana Thompson. As a director I found that her timing was RIGHT ON and she hit her mark every time. Not to mention her ability to bring suspense to every one of her scenes. I think that Doug Schulze would agree (as would Anthony Hopkins when he directed her in his film, Slipstream) Am I bias… damn right – She’s my wife!

     
  2. schulzedouglas

    Thanks for the 4 out of 5 stars. I agree that “the film plays great to a crowded theatre” as we recieved a similar reception in Spain. I too must disagree with the comment regarding actress Jana Thompson. Jana did a brilliant job in channeling Judith O’ Dea while simultaneously managing to make her character modern and relevant. Jana, arguably, had the most complex role in the film and is deserving of credit. Afterall how does one pay homage to the past while staying “physically” in the present. I’m very proud of the performances in this film and Jana did an amazing job. Hollywood has good reason for its obsession with remaking classic horror films; the public has an insatiable demand for these timeless masterpieces. The problem is most of these remakes fail to live up to the standards set by the original and in some cases they end up damaging the reputation of the original. We as filmmakers need to find ways to evolve and advance the classics without tarnishing the indelible mark they have left on cinema. Mimesis is our way of paying homage to an American classic while simultaneously advancing the horror genre through modern storytelling. From the reviews and feedback we are getting, we have succeeded. THANKS AGAIN.

    Doug Schulze
    writer,director
    MIMESIS

     

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