31 Day of Horror: Day 10

Mimic

Dir: Guillermo Del Toro

Starring: Mira Sorvino, Charles S. Dutton,

and Jeremy Northam

I do love a creature feature. Guillermo Del Toro is one of my all time favorite Directors; I am a fan of everything he’s done. Even when Mimic first came out, with all the negative press, I enjoyed it. As I revisit the past with these 31 films, some of which I haven’t seen for quit some time, I was worried that my taste for some of these films would change. I’ve encountered in the past that films that I loved and thought were amazing, aren’t always seen through the same eyes when I watch them again. Whether it’s the combination of people, audience, and sometimes even the theater I watch them in, the experience is changed.

So with the release of Mimic in the Del Toro approved Director’s Cut, I decided to watch Mimic twice. Once in the original theatrical cut followed immediately with the Directors Cut. Del Toro has discussed that the theatrical version of Mimic wasn’t the version he wanted, that many of the structural elements and the ending had been changed to accommodate the studio. It’s interesting to hear Del Toro talk about the faults with Mimic so frankly; he shows hints of hostility and anger throughout the interview. Mimic was also a starting point for many of todays sought after talent, Robert Rodriguez (Sin City and Planet Terror) was the second unit director, and Patrick Lussier (My Bloody Valentine and Drive Angry) was the editor.  There are scenes from the theatrical cut that feel like Rodriguez, it would be interesting to see which unit shot some of the footage.

After sitting through the near 4 hours of the same film twice, it’s clear that Del Toro’s Director’s Cut is superior. Though the changes might seem minor, the design and story properties feel more unique and interesting. It adds more to the structure and design of the film, where the theatrical film clearly amplifies the theatrical elements.  So, for those looking to take a look at an early Del Toro American feature, take the time to find the Directors Cut and enjoy. Day 10 with the auteur Del Toro complete.