MovieChat Forums > The Mirror (2014) Discussion > Much better than Oculus

Much better than Oculus

posted 9 years ago by khsu
12 replies | jump to latest

The Mirror is one of the best found-footage horrors I've seen in years.

While Oculus (the feature film, not the short) felt overlit, overproduced, and ended up a cliche jumbled mess, The Mirror is much more nuanced and tonally pure, both creepy and tense. The rhythm of the narrative (alternating day and night) subtly gets under your skin, making you - along with the characters - feel the dread of night falling. The set and framing give a sense of surveillance and claustrophobia, yet make you wonder about the unknown darkness at the end of the hall, or the unseen corners just out of the camera's focus. But the filmmaker made all this look easy, natural, 'untechnical,' as if it were really shot by amateurs, getting inside your head on a subconscious level. He obviously did his homework. Anxiety-inducing. Well done.

Also, if you're not a professional reviewer, why continue to watch and review found-footage movies if you hate found-footage movies to begin with?

[–] prettyevil6662000 9 years ago

Because someone has to be the naysayer and as long as they're open about being biased against it because they don't like them, then what's the harm? Also, some professionals get their jobs by starting small. You don't become a professional out of the womb. You work and practice. And being a pro includes reviewing things you don't like in a non-biased way (or at least in a way where you reveal your bias so people know), so there's no harm in getting used to every facet of the business.

I actually enjoy some found footage films. And this one had a minimum of shaky cam so it was up there on avoiding the thing I hate.

However, The Mirror was boring as crud. Basically, everything you said but with 'not' superimposed in front of it. I'd have had more fun staring at the mirror in my room - and both would have done the same amount of nothing.

[–] khsu 9 years ago

Most of these 'reviews' follow a formula, like this: 'I hate found-footage. I hate this found-footage. Enough found-footage.' They're not professional. They're not trying to be professional. They're not even reviews. They're rants, and mostly incoherent ones. Which are fine. Just call them what they are.

They're like an aunt I have who says she hates jelly beans but can't help shoveling them in by the pound every chance she gets so she can complain about how much she hates them.

[–] Jinky67 9 years ago

I actually quite like found footage films but this was absolute garbage.

I've seen many and this was by far the worst. I honestly think that any 3 people with a camera and a bit of time to spare could come up with something at least as good as this. Most likely better.

Hail Hail

[–] edboase 9 years ago

Hi,

I made The Mirror and read your comment 'any three people with a camera and a bit of time to spare could come up with something at least as good as this. Most likely better'.

I think this is an excellent idea. I'm guessing you can get hold of a camera (if not, an iPhone will be fine) and two others? Hopefully you can carve out some time at weekends, evenings etc.

I'm delighted to help and advise in any way I can. Just respond to this thread and I'll get back to you as soon as I'm able.

This is a genuine offer of help and advice. I look forward to seeing your film!

Best wishes,

Ed (Boase)

[–] Destroyah22 9 years ago

Did you really only film this with spare time on the weekends?

[–] UltimaGabe 9 years ago

It really shows faith in your work when you sarcastically respond to complaints on online message boards. Great job!

[–] koholintisland 9 years ago

You are one of the producers / writers / actors friends, right?

[–] 9 years ago

[deleted]

[–] khsu 9 years ago

Nope. Don't know anyone involved in / with / around / remotely fondled by a finger through ESP by someone who once dated the dead grandmother of someone who worked on the film.

Hope that answers your question!

[–] koholintisland 9 years ago

Lmao that was a great response, I'll give you that much.

[–] pennilayne 9 years ago

Oculus sucked compared to this! Perfect review. Seriously perfectly made found footage horror film. Scariest film I have watched in a long time.

[–] phillip_cook33-163-895195 7 years ago

It is actually scary that you found this movie even remotely scary...