Neil Gaiman is most assuredly a legend in the realms of fantasy. Graphic Novels, books, and film, Neil Gaiman has conquered them all with a lovely turn of phrase with charm and wit to match. And all that charm, wit, and artistry was channeled in the 2005 film MirrorMask, a spiritual sister of sorts to Labyrinth. MirrorMask would be directed and co-created by artist Dave McKean, with Gaiman penning the screenplay. It would also be produced by the late, great Jim Henson’s Company.
The story would introduce the audience to a world that hadn’t been seen before just on the other side of this one. It would follow a young girl learning just who she really is and learning some truths about herself she never knew. And it would weave a dark spell with a visual feast for the eyes and jazzy treat for the ears as well as show us a creepy side of The Carpenters we’d never had believed existed. While the film wasn’t a massive success when it was released it struck a chord with fans and would grow to have a cult following which would continue to grow over the years. MirrorMask deserves another look nearly twenty years on and it’s time for it to be celebrated for the beautiful and mysterious gem it is. So, let’s gaze into the dark reflection that two masters of fantasy created and that we’ve not seen the like of since. Come with us and step through the MirrorMask.
This episode of Fantasizing About Fantasy Films is written by Jessica Dwyer, edited by Bill Mazzola, produced by Adam Walton and executive produced by Berge Garabedian. Watch previous episodes below!