The film “The Mummy” released in 2017 is a modern reimagining of the classic Universal Monsters franchise, blending action, horror, and adventure elements. Directed by Alex Kurtzman, this cinematic endeavor serves as the inaugural installment in the intended Universal Monsters shared universe, often referred to as the “Dark Universe.” Starring Tom Cruise, Sofia Boutella, Annabelle Wallis, and Russell Crowe, the movie endeavors to breathe new life into the age-old legend of the mummy while infusing it with contemporary storytelling and special effects.
The narrative unfolds as Nick Morton, portrayed by Tom Cruise, a soldier of fortune and plunderer of ancient artifacts, inadvertently discovers the hidden tomb of Ahmanet, a vengeful Egyptian princess who, in an act of treachery, made a pact with the god Set. Ahmanet’s ambitious desire for power leads her to murder her father and infant half-brother, securing her path to the throne. However, her plan is thwarted when she is mummified alive as punishment for her heinous deeds.
Fast forward to the present day, and Nick’s reckless actions trigger the resurrection of Ahmanet, who is now intent on completing the ritual that will unleash the malevolent deity Set and grant her dominion over life and death. Aided by Jenny Halsey (Annabelle Wallis), an archaeologist with knowledge of ancient curses, and Dr. Henry Jekyll (Russell Crowe), the enigmatic leader of a secret organization known as Prodigium, Nick must confront the unleashed ancient evil and prevent catastrophic consequences for humanity.
The film’s narrative unfolds against a backdrop of globetrotting adventure, encompassing locations ranging from the deserts of Iraq to the streets of London. The inclusion of various settings adds a sense of grandeur to the storyline, reinforcing the global scale of the supernatural threat posed by Ahmanet. Furthermore, the film pays homage to classic monster movie tropes while infusing them with a contemporary sensibility, aiming to resonate with modern audiences.
One notable aspect of “The Mummy” (2017) is the casting of Sofia Boutella as Ahmanet. Her portrayal injects a nuanced and formidable dimension into the character of the mummy, moving beyond the traditional depiction of a malevolent force and providing a more complex and empathetic portrayal. This choice contributes to the film’s attempt to redefine the classic monster narrative for a contemporary audience, showcasing a more multifaceted and sympathetic antagonist.
Tom Cruise, a stalwart of the action genre, brings his signature charisma and physicality to the role of Nick Morton. His character undergoes a transformative journey from a roguish adventurer to a reluctant hero, adding depth to the narrative. The dynamic between Cruise’s character and Ahmanet forms a central element of the film, with their intertwined destinies driving the overarching conflict.
In addition to the character-driven elements, “The Mummy” introduces the concept of Prodigium, an organization dedicated to studying and containing supernatural threats. Dr. Henry Jekyll, portrayed by Russell Crowe, heads this clandestine group, providing a link to other iconic literary characters associated with classic monsters. The inclusion of Prodigium lays the foundation for the proposed Dark Universe, a shared cinematic universe intended to feature interconnected stories revolving around various Universal Monsters.
While “The Mummy” received mixed reviews from critics, with some praising its action sequences and special effects while others critiqued its narrative coherence, it marked the beginning of Universal Pictures’ ambitious venture into revitalizing classic monster tales for contemporary audiences. Despite its challenges, the film sets the stage for potential future installments in the Dark Universe, inviting speculation about the interconnected narratives that could unfold in subsequent films featuring iconic monsters such as the Bride of Frankenstein, the Invisible Man, and others.
In conclusion, “The Mummy” (2017) stands as a cinematic experiment that sought to blend the allure of classic monster tales with modern storytelling and action spectacle. From the casting choices to the incorporation of a shared universe framework, the film aimed to rejuvenate age-old narratives for a new generation. Whether viewed as a successful reimagining or a challenging first step in a broader cinematic universe, “The Mummy” remains a noteworthy entry in the ever-evolving landscape of monster movies, inviting audiences to reconsider familiar legends in a contemporary light.
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“The Mummy” (2017) unfolds as a cinematic tapestry that weaves together elements of action, horror, and adventure, delivering a modern reinterpretation of the timeless legend of the mummy. Directed by Alex Kurtzman, the film takes its cues from the classic Universal Monsters franchise, infusing it with a contemporary sensibility and laying the groundwork for what was intended to be the Dark Universe, a shared cinematic universe featuring iconic monsters from literature and film history.
At its core, the narrative centers around Nick Morton, portrayed by Tom Cruise, a roguish soldier of fortune whose pursuit of ancient artifacts leads him to the burial site of Ahmanet, a betrayed and vengeful Egyptian princess. Sofia Boutella’s portrayal of Ahmanet brings a fresh perspective to the character, moving beyond the traditional malevolent depiction of mummies. Boutella infuses Ahmanet with a compelling mix of tragedy and ruthlessness, adding depth to the character and challenging conventional expectations.
The film’s storyline deftly combines ancient mythology with a contemporary setting, as Ahmanet is resurrected in the present day, setting off a chain of events that threatens the world. Annabelle Wallis’s character, Jenny Halsey, an archaeologist with a specialized knowledge of ancient curses, becomes a key ally to Nick Morton. Their partnership forms a central dynamic, with Jenny providing the historical context and expertise necessary to confront the supernatural threat.
To enhance the global scale of the narrative, the film traverses various locations, from the deserts of Iraq to the streets of London. This globe-trotting adventure not only showcases the diverse settings but also underscores the magnitude of the peril posed by Ahmanet and her quest for power. The inclusion of these locations contributes to the film’s visual grandeur and adds an extra layer of excitement to the unfolding events.
The character of Nick Morton undergoes a significant transformation throughout the narrative. Initially presented as a self-serving adventurer, Morton’s encounter with Ahmanet propels him into the role of a reluctant hero tasked with preventing a catastrophic supernatural event. Tom Cruise’s charismatic performance injects energy and relatability into the character, grounding the fantastical elements of the story in a human experience.
A notable narrative element is the introduction of Prodigium, a secret organization dedicated to studying and containing supernatural threats. Headed by Dr. Henry Jekyll, portrayed by Russell Crowe, Prodigium provides a link to other classic literary characters associated with monsters, expanding the narrative beyond the central mummy storyline. Russell Crowe’s nuanced portrayal adds an enigmatic layer to the character, hinting at the potential for future exploration of Jekyll’s dual nature.
While the film garnered a mixed critical reception, with some praising its action sequences and special effects while others critiqued its narrative coherence, it remains a cinematic milestone in attempting to revitalize classic monster tales. “The Mummy” serves as a cornerstone for the Dark Universe, a cinematic initiative aimed at interconnecting narratives featuring iconic monsters like Frankenstein’s Bride and the Invisible Man. The concept of a shared universe sparked intrigue and speculation among audiences, despite the initial challenges faced by the film.
In the aftermath of its release, the Dark Universe faced uncertainties, with subsequent planned films undergoing revisions and reevaluations. Nevertheless, “The Mummy” remains a cinematic artifact that opened the door to reimagining classic monsters for contemporary audiences. It prompts discussions about the challenges and potentials of blending timeless tales with modern storytelling techniques, making it a significant chapter in the ever-evolving landscape of cinematic universes and monster mythology.