As an archaeologist, there’s a couple of obvious movies that I love, but one always stands out for me. No, it’s not Indiana Jones, but the Brendan Fraser version of The Mummy (1999) that was a reboot of the 1932 original. This film was originally supposed to be a dark, moody horror, but Director Stephen Sommers was more influenced by Jason and the Argonauts and (of course) Indiana Jones. Consequently, the movie is unashamedly fun, with over the top fight scenes and more than a few silly moments to break up the horror.
For those who haven’t seen the film, Evelyn Carnahan (loosely based on real-life Egyptologist Evelyn Canarvon) and her wastrel brother find a map to a lost Egyptian city of Hamunaptra, recruiting American soldier Rick O’Connell to help them find the treasure. However, upon arriving at the fabled city they inadvertently let loose the tortured Egyptian priest Imhotep, who has set his sights on resurrecting his love Ancksunamun and exacting his revenge on humanity. The plot is simple, the pacing is solid, the dialogue is great and the ending is by the book. So what makes this film a fan favorite almost 20 years later? Well-written characters! Brendan Fraser is having the time of his life as the rough hero with a heart of gold, and while the character was originally inspired by the dashing Erroll Flynn, the lovable rogue O’Connell is more a reboot of Fraser’s earlier character George of the Jungle. Arnold Vosloo is menacing as Imhotep, but the writers gave the villain a well-rounded backstory so you can sympathize with his single-minded pursuit of the woman he loves. Jonathan Carnahan and O’Connell’s frenemy Beni are perfectly played by John Hannah and Kevin J O’Connor respectively, their characters injecting the witty dialogue and slapstick humor into the story.
What really ties everything together however is the main character, Evelyn, portrayed by Rachael Weisz. Evee is not a “strong female character” in the style of Ellen Ripley or Sarah Connor – she can’t fight her way out of danger or effortlessly take control of every situation. But what she does have is a well-developed character arc, starting as a clumsy, shy bookworm in a library and finishing as the woman who saves the day. How? Knowledge. Evee’s skill is her understanding of Egyptology, which she pursued in the face of ridicule from some of the male characters. On more than one occasion her brains are what gets the team out of danger, and with every scrape, Evee comes more and more out of her shell, slowly gaining confidence and capability until she is able to recite the spell that undoes the invincible Imhotep’s power before he can kill O’Connell. Favorite Quote? “I may not be an explorer, or an adventurer, or a treasure-seeker, or a gunfighter, Mr. O’Connell, but I am proud of what I am.” “And what is that?” “I… am a Librarian.” If you get the chance, check this film out. It’s a great example for authors on how to write a story with memorable characters, great dialogue, and above all, a fun, adventurous plot. Please enjoy and have a great week!
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