By Sara Bright
The 1999 film “The Mummy,” directed by Stephen Sommers and starring Brendan Fraser, Rachel Weisz, and Arnold Vosloo, transformed the cinematic depiction of Ancient Egypt into an action-packed adventure. This reboot of the classic 1932 horror film not only captivated audiences with its thrilling narrative and impressive special effects but also left a lasting impact on popular culture. Here, we delve into the lesser-known facts and intriguing details that make “The Mummy” a timeless classic.
The True Meaning Behind the Title
Imhotep’s Misunderstood Fate
The film’s title, “The Mummy,” might seem straightforward, but it actually conceals a more complex truth. Imhotep, the central antagonist, wasn’t traditionally mummified. According to the film’s novelisation, which provides more depth than the screenplay, Imhotep was subjected to the Hom-Dai curse. This curse condemned him to eternal torment, trapped in a sarcophagus with flesh-eating scarabs. This symbiosis between Imhotep and the scarabs sustained both in a horrific cycle of eternal suffering.
Cinematic Heritage and Confusion
A Remake of a Sequel
“The Mummy” (1999) is a remake of the 1932 film directed by Karl Freund. However, it more closely follows the storyline of “The Mummy’s Hand” (1940) rather than its original predecessor. The 1959 remake by Terence Fisher also deviates significantly from the 1932 film, aligning more with “The Mummy’s Tomb” (1942). This complex lineage showcases the intricate and often confusing history of mummy-themed films in Hollywood.
From Concept to Creation
The Birth of “The Mummy”
The idea for a modern remake of “The Mummy” emerged in the late 1980s at Universal Pictures. Initially envisioned as a low-budget horror film akin to “The Terminator,” the project aimed to milk a potential franchise. However, it languished in “development hell” for years, with multiple script rewrites and director changes. Stephen Sommers, a fan of the original 1932 film, resurrected the project, securing a substantial budget and reimagining it as a grand adventure rather than a mere horror flick.
Voices and Performances
The Voice of Ardeth Bay
At the film’s outset, the narration was initially intended for Imhotep. However, director Stephen Sommers wisely chose to have Medjai leader Ardeth Bay, played by Israeli actor Oded Fehr, deliver the voiceover. This decision maintained historical authenticity, as it would be incongruous for an ancient Egyptian priest to speak fluent English. Oded Fehr’s portrayal marked his debut on the big screen, adding a layer of authenticity to his character.
Anagram and Historical Inaccuracies
Ardeth Bay: Death by Ra
The name Ardeth Bay is an anagram for “Death by Ra,” the Egyptian sun god. Despite the cool connotation, the Medjai, portrayed as elite bodyguards, were actually a historical paramilitary group in Ancient Egypt. However, they were disbanded by the 20th Dynasty and never served as royal bodyguards, showcasing the film’s creative liberties with historical facts.
Filming Locations and Budget
Morocco Instead of Egypt
Although set in Egypt, “The Mummy” was primarily filmed in Morocco. The filmmakers chose this location due to logistical challenges and political instability in Egypt at the time. Despite this, the Moroccan landscape convincingly doubled as ancient Egyptian terrain, contributing to the film’s immersive atmosphere.
A High-Stakes Budget
The film’s budget was a hefty $80 million, with $15 million allocated to cutting-edge computer-generated imagery (CGI), predominantly created by George Lucas’s Industrial Light & Magic. These groundbreaking special effects were crucial in bringing the supernatural elements of the story to life, from the resurrection of Imhotep to the swarming scarabs.
Near-Disasters and Sound Engineering
Brendan Fraser’s Close Call
One of the most harrowing moments during filming occurred when Brendan Fraser, performing a hanging scene, lost consciousness and required resuscitation in intensive care. This incident could have left the film without its leading man, underscoring the physical demands and risks involved in creating such an intense action movie.
The Sound of Mummies
The eerie wheezes and groans of the mummies were ingeniously crafted from the growls of tigers and bears. This clever sound engineering added an extra layer of fear to the undead antagonists, enhancing the film’s suspenseful atmosphere.
Historical Accuracy and Creative Choices
Ancient Egyptian Burial Practices
The film takes several creative liberties with Ancient Egyptian customs. For example, Egyptians used only four canopic jars during mummification, leaving the heart inside the body as it was believed to contain the soul. The “Book of the Dead” depicted in the film was typically a collection of papyrus scrolls or tomb frescoes, not a literal book for resurrecting the dead.
Evelyn Carnahan’s Namesake
The character Evelyn Carnahan, portrayed by Rachel Weisz, bears a name strikingly similar to Lady Evelyn Carnarvon, one of the first to enter Tutankhamun’s tomb in 1922. Contrary to the myth of the mummy’s curse, Lady Carnarvon lived to the age of 79, illustrating how the film blends historical references with fictional narratives.
Symbolism and Foreshadowing
Ardeth’s Tattoos and Foreboding Lines
Ardeth Bay’s tattoos hold significant meaning: the hieroglyph on his forehead symbolises the “world of the dead,” while those on his cheeks denote “truth.” The film is peppered with foreshadowing lines, such as prison warden Hassan’s aversion to bugs and Burns’s reliance on his glasses, hinting at their eventual fates.
Casting Choices and Legacy
Potential Rick O’Connell Candidates
Before Brendan Fraser was cast, Tom Cruise was considered for the role of Rick O’Connell. Although Cruise did not participate in the 1999 film, he later starred in the 2017 remake of “The Mummy,” which received mixed reviews and failed to capture the charm of its predecessor.
Arnold Vosloo’s Transformation
Arnold Vosloo, who portrayed Imhotep, originally hails from South Africa and became an American citizen in 1988. His transformation into the cursed high priest was a pivotal element of the film, showcasing both his acting prowess and the impressive special effects that brought his character to life.
Filming Techniques and Effects
The Library Scene
The iconic library scene, where Evelyn topples an entire row of bookshelves, was remarkably filmed in a single take. This feat required precise choreography and timing, highlighting the film’s dedication to practical effects and meticulous set design.
Anck-su-namun’s Deaths
Patricia Velazquez’s character, Anck-su-namun, meets her demise twice in the film, both times from a stomach stab wound. These scenes are depicted through shadow play, adding a dramatic and stylistic touch to her character’s tragic end.
“The Mummy” (1999) remains a beloved film that masterfully combines adventure, horror, and humour. Its blend of historical references, innovative special effects, and captivating performances has secured its place in cinematic history. By exploring the unknown facts and behind-the-scenes stories, we gain a deeper appreciation for the effort and creativity that brought this thrilling tale of ancient curses and daring heroes to the big screen.