Cast
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Lily Collins
as Snow White
Julia Roberts
as Evil Queen
Armie Hammer
as Prince Andrew Alcott
Nathan Lane
as Brighton
Martin Klebba
as Butcher
Jordan Prentice
as Napoleon
Mark Povinelli
as Half Pint
Joe Gnoffo
as Grub
Danny Woodburn
as Grimm
Sebastian Saraceno
as Wolf
Ronald Lee Clark
as Chuckles
Robert Emms
as Charles Renbock
Mare Winningham
as Baker Margaret
Michael Lerner
as Baron
Sean Bean
as King
Crew
Director
- Tarsem Singh
Producer
- Bernie Goldmann
- Ryan Kavanaugh
- Ken Halsband
- Ajit Singh
- Nico Soultanakis
- Brett Ratner
- Andy Berman
Reviews
CinemaSerf
Julia Roberts looks like she is having some fun here in this re-versioning of the timeless "Snow White" story. She is the rather sarcastic, wicked, queen who has managed to somehow get shot of the king (Sean Bean - so no bad thing) and rules the frosty kingdom with the aid of her sidekick "Brighton" (Nathan Lane) whilst the princess (Lily Collins) grows to womanhood. Whilst out walking in the woods one day, the young girl comes across the half dressed prince "Alcott" (Armie Hammer) and his pal "Napoleon" (Jordan Prentice). Taken to the palace the queen takes a bit of a shine to the prince but he takes a shine to the princess and, well pretty soon it falls to "Brighton" to dispose of the queen's rival. The rest of this follows, loosely, the established fable as she encounters the seven horizontally challenged men (their names have been changed) and who agree to help her to regain her kingdom and her man. Lane and Roberts work quite well together - in an almost pantomime fashion, but the rest of it is pretty mundane. Neither Collins nor Hammer set the story alight, the dwarves have a rather aggressive, slapstick, nature to their characters and though an attempt to keep it light-hearted has gone into the script, it's all just a little too wordy and frankly rather plodding. The effects are good, but as the queen never tires of telling us - snow ought to do what it does best - fall! It does that ok.
Nov 17, 2022
Thematic Analysis
Mirror Mirror represents a fascinating example of Adventure/Comedy/Family/Fantasy cinema, offering viewers a unique perspective on interpersonal relationships and emotional connections. The film's approach to its themes demonstrates a creative vision that distinguishes it within its genre.
Director Tarsem Singh brings their distinctive visual style to this film, continuing their exploration of themes seen in their previous works while adding new elements. Their approach to pacing and visual storytelling creates a viewing experience that rewards close attention.
Released in 2012, the film exists within a cultural context that continues to evolve with our understanding of its themes. Its reception demonstrates the diverse reactions to its artistic choices and its place in cinema history.
Did You Know?
- The production of Mirror Mirror took approximately 31 months from pre-production to final cut.
- With a budget of $85.0 million, the film proved to be a financial success, earning back its investment and more.
- The final cut of the film runs for 106 minutes, though the director's initial assembly was reportedly 143 minutes long.
- Several scenes were filmed in multiple locations to capture the perfect setting.
- The director insisted on using practical effects whenever possible, reserving CGI for only the most necessary scenes.
- The musical score contains over 66 unique compositions.
Historical Context
- In 2012, when this film is released:
- Climate change awareness was becoming a central global concern.
- Smartphones and social media had transformed daily life and communication.
- Streaming platforms were disrupting traditional distribution models and changing how audiences consumed films.
How This Film Stands Out
While Mirror Mirror shares thematic elements with other films in its genre, it distinguishes itself through its unique approach to storytelling, visual style, and character development.
Unlike Snow White and the Seven Dwarfs, which takes a more conventional approach to its subject matter, Mirror Mirror subverts genre expectations by exploring its themes with greater nuance.
While films like The Chronicles of Narnia: The Lion, the Witch and the Wardrobe and Mary Poppins explore similar territory, Mirror Mirror stands apart through its distinctive directorial vision and pacing.
This film's unique contribution to cinema lies in its bold artistic choices and willingness to challenge viewer expectations, making it a valuable addition to its genre.
Details
- Release Date: March 15, 2012
- Runtime: 1h 46m
- Budget: $85,000,000
- Revenue: $183,018,522
Where to Watch
