Guillermo del Toro has become one of the most celebrated filmmakers of the modern era. His characteristic vision addresses specific themes in new ways with each entry. Most fans found del Toro afterBlade II, Hellboy, orPan’s Labyrinth, but his early work still carries his unique hallmarks.Mimic, his first major studio release, demonstrates his ability to keep his creative vision alive under oppressive circumstances.
Studio meddling is not a new phenomenon. When a beloved director steps into a franchise film, they often find their creative vision pushed under the desires of the IP holder. Even horror films are designed by committee these days. Like superhero movies, most modern horror releases sell themselves on a marketable antagonist. A classic monster movie likeMimicdoesn’t need a studio’s hand on the reigns.
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What isMimicabout?
New York City is devastated by the rapid spread of a plague called “Strickler’s disease” that has put hundreds of children into hospital beds. The malady isspread by common cockroaches, of which there are millions across the city. Dr. Peter Mann of the CDC hires Dr. Susan Tyler, a well-educated entomologist, to address the problem. Her solution is unorthodox. She uses genetic engineering to create a new breed of insect. She calls them the Judas breed. They’re large, active hybrids between mantis and termites. The Judas breed is designed to hunt down roach nests and bombard them with a fatal enzyme. Dr. Tyler’s plan works extraordinarily well, eradicating the infected roaches and wiping out the disease. Dr. Mann is so impressed by Dr. Tyler’s work that they wind up married shortly after.
Three years pass without incident. Suddenly, people start to disappear. Susan learns of a strange insect that seems similar to her Judas breed. Though the breed was designed to die off over time, she finds they remain a viable species. Sure enough, the Judas breed has grown large enough to take onthe guise of human beings. This dangerous bug hunts and kills innocent people. It’s up to Susan and Peter to find the new and improved Judas' colony. Susan is sure if she and her husband don’t eliminate the Judas breed, they’ll spread and overtake the entire city. There’s a ticking clock and millions of lives at stake. It’s a classic monster moviewith giant bugs aroundevery corner.
How wasMimicreceived?
Critics at the time ofMimic’s release were divided on the film’s quality. Its reception has always been a mixed bag. Among the filmography of Guillermo del Toro, it’s hard to see it as anything but the worst. The worst in a catalog of all-time classics isn’t a strong condemnation.Del Toro doesn’t misstep often. In fact, this flop shouldn’t be blamed on him. Almost every critic markedMimicas derivative, ironically. It borrows notes from many of Cronenberg’s classics and a healthy amount of Ridley Scott’sAlien. Genre tropes hang off the film from all angles. Its saving grace is del Toro’s eye for visual detail. Set design, color grading, and monster work keep this film from being a complete waste of time and effort. Fans of goofy creature features will find things to love aboutMimic, though it doesn’t do much that fans haven’t seen before.
Why wasMimicre-released?
In short, Guillermo del Toro was new to studio filmmaking, and they refused to let him make the film he wanted to make.Harvey Weinstein, noted monster, declined to give del Toro final cut privileges onMimic. He thought the slow, careful, almost mathematical shot composition and moody tone weren’t scary enough for a horror film. He stormed onto the set to forcefully instruct del Toro on how to direct a movie. He wanted the man who would go on to makePan’s Labyrinthfired. Mira Sorvino, the film’s star, intervened to ensure the director would keep his job. Ultimately, del Toro finished the film, but Weinstein kept final cut privileges.Guillermo del Toro hasrepeatedly described it as the worst experience he’s had in the industry. A 2011 Blu-ray re-release offered a cut del Toro was happy with, though it doesn’t change as much as fans might have liked. That iteration is available on streaming services.
Mimicis not a perfect film. Horror fans will never get to see the version of this tale Guillermo del Toro saw in his mind before production. Studio meddling very rarely helps a film. The people holding the money don’t generally make good creative decisions.Mimicisn’tthe biggest waste of potential in del Toro’s past, but fans know to cherish his many successes rather than lament his lost projects. Guillermo del Toro is still making incredible, unique, original films today. He’s now established enough to ensure his vision makes it to the screen when he takes on a project. These early steps can make or break a young director. It’s good to see del Toro move into a confident, self-assured era of excellence.
