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Synopsis: A group of horror fans find themselves unwilling participants in a nightmarish role playing game that pays homage to a classic horror film. “Why watch a horror film when you can live it”
Our Thoughts: The definition of mimesis is “representation or imitation of the real world in art and literature.†Writer/director, Douglas Schulze’s “MIMESIS†is a total tribute to George Romero’s “Night of the Living Dead.†However, does it stand up as a great horror film in its own right?
Let’s start with the plot. Horror fans end up at a party after a horror convention, where you have every type of person you can see at a convention. From the newbie, to the guy who can tell you everything about every horror movie, (hardcore fans, you’ve been there, you know what I’m talking about), they are here. Unknowingly they are all drugged at the party and wake up the next day living out “Night of the Living Dead.†The character’s names are even nods to the actors themselves. There’s Duane, Russell, Judith, and even a cameo by the late Bill Hinzman. The plot here, however, is really not re-enacting the original film, it’s the characters trying to figure out how NOT to have it re-enacted and have the same ending. That’s the best part of this homage to Romero’s classic. It’s not a remake, it’s a tribute to how ingrained the film is into our culture.
The cast is pretty strong. Sid Haig has a minor, yet always memorable role. Allen Maldonado does an excellent job portraying Duane, who was just long for the ride, and has to be told how the movie ends. Jana Thompson is a dead ringer for Judith O’Dea’s “Barbara.†She does a fantastic job of portraying how different women in film are today from where they were in 1968. As soon as she takes off the Barbara outfit, she’s empowered and kicking ass.
“MIMESIS†is very well done. The viewer definitely gets a sense these people are being terrorized and brutalized for other horror fans pleasure. It also does a good job at representing the horror scene. For those who really love horror, this movie is definitely worth your time. You may even recognize yourself, or someone you know in one of the characters.
