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The Mummy (2017) and the Dark Universe: A Study in Orientalism and Gender Dynamics
Introduction to The Mummy (2017) and the Dark Universe
In 2017, Universal Studios attempted to reboot its classic monster movie franchise with "The Mummy," directed by Alex Kurtzman. This film was intended to be the cornerstone of a new cinematic universe known as the Dark Universe, which would bring together various iconic monsters from Universal's past. However, the film's reception was lukewarm, and the ambitious plans for the Dark Universe were subsequently shelved1.
Gender Dynamics and the Monstrous Feminine
One of the most notable changes in the 2017 version of "The Mummy" was the decision to feature a female mummy as the primary antagonist. This was hailed by the film's creators as a groundbreaking and innovative choice. However, the portrayal of the female mummy, Ahmanet, drew criticism for perpetuating stereotypes rather than breaking new ground. The film's narrative leaned heavily on the concept of the "monstrous feminine," a term used to describe the depiction of women as inherently dangerous and otherworldly1.
Orientalism and the East-West Dichotomy
"The Mummy" (2017) also faced criticism for its portrayal of Orientalism, a framework that depicts Eastern societies as exotic, backward, and inherently different from the West. The film's storyline, which involves a Western male protagonist confronting and ultimately subduing an ancient Eastern evil, reinforces the age-old trope of the East as a mysterious and dangerous "Other" that must be controlled by the West1 2. This narrative is not new; it echoes the themes found in Victorian and Edwardian mummy fiction, where the mummy's curse serves as a metaphor for imperial anxieties and the fear of the colonized striking back2.
The Victorian Mummy and Modern Resonance
Alex Kurtzman's "The Mummy" draws heavily from the ideological dynamics of Victorian mummy fiction. In these earlier works, the female mummy often symbolizes the imperial Other, a figure that embodies both fascination and fear. The film updates these themes to reflect contemporary global issues, yet it retains the core anxieties of its predecessors. The female mummy, Ahmanet, is portrayed as a vengeful force, echoing the fears of a patriarchal society confronted with the empowerment of women and the potential repercussions of imperialism2.
Conclusion
The 2017 reboot of "The Mummy" aimed to modernize a classic tale and launch a new cinematic universe. However, its reliance on outdated stereotypes and Orientalist tropes, coupled with its portrayal of the female antagonist as a monstrous feminine figure, ultimately undermined its innovative aspirations. The film's failure at the box office and the subsequent abandonment of the Dark Universe project highlight the challenges of reimagining classic narratives in a way that resonates with contemporary audiences while avoiding the pitfalls of perpetuating harmful stereotypes1 2.
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