The Mummy (1999)

Last updated:
October 11, 2024

Detailed Summary

Ancient Egypt and Imhotep’s Curse

In 1290 B.C., high priest Imhotep (Arnold Vosloo) has an affair with Anck-su-Namun (Patricia Velásquez), the mistress of Pharaoh Seti I. When the Pharaoh discovers their relationship, Imhotep and Anck-su-Namun murder him. Anck-su-Namun then takes her own life, and Imhotep attempts to resurrect her using the Book of the Dead but soldiers catch him. As punishment, they bury him alive with flesh-eating scarabs, cursing him to remain undead for eternity.

The Discovery of Hamunaptra

In 1926, librarian and aspiring Egyptologist Evelyn “Evy” Carnahan (Rachel Weisz) and her brother Jonathan (John Hannah) come across a mysterious box and map leading to Hamunaptra, the legendary City of the Dead. They enlist the help of Rick O’Connell (Brendan Fraser), a former French Foreign Legion soldier who knows the location of the city, to guide them there.

Awakening the Mummy

At Hamunaptra, Evy accidentally awakens Imhotep by reading from the Book of the Dead. Imhotep, now an immortal, powerful mummy, seeks to resurrect Anck-su-Namun and bring about the ten plagues of Egypt. As he regains his human form by consuming the American archaeologists who opened his tomb, Rick, Evy, and Jonathan must find a way to stop him.

The Battle Against Imhotep

Imhotep captures Evy, intending to use her as a sacrifice to resurrect Anck-su-Namun. Rick, Jonathan, and Ardeth Bay (Oded Fehr), a Medjai warrior tasked with preventing Imhotep’s resurrection, launch a daring rescue mission. They retrieve the Book of Amun-Ra, the only thing capable of defeating Imhotep.

The Final Confrontation

In a thrilling climax, Rick battles Imhotep while Evy reads from the Book of Amun-Ra. She successfully renders Imhotep mortal, allowing Rick to kill him. The group escapes as Hamunaptra collapses into the sand, with Rick and Evy sharing a romantic moment as they leave with the treasure.

Movie Ending

The film concludes with Rick, Evy, and Jonathan escaping Hamunaptra with a camel loaded with treasure. Rick and Evy kiss, suggesting the start of their romance, while Jonathan is delighted with their newfound wealth. Imhotep is once again buried beneath the ruins, his threat seemingly vanquished.

Are There Post-Credits Scenes?

No, “The Mummy” does not have any post-credits scenes.

Type of Movie

This film is an action-adventure fantasy with elements of horror and romance. It’s known for its blend of thrilling action, comedic moments, and supernatural themes.

Cast

Brendan Fraser as Rick O’Connell
Rachel Weisz as Evelyn Carnahan
John Hannah as Jonathan Carnahan
Arnold Vosloo as Imhotep
Patricia Velásquez as Anck-su-Namun
Oded Fehr as Ardeth Bay
Kevin J. O’Connor as Beni Gabor
Jonathan Hyde as Dr. Allen Chamberlain

Film Music and Composer

The film’s score was composed by Jerry Goldsmith. The music combines orchestral elements with Egyptian-inspired motifs, enhancing the adventurous and mystical atmosphere of the film.

Filming Locations

Morocco: Many desert scenes and the exterior shots of Hamunaptra were filmed here.
UK: The interior shots, including the library scenes, were filmed at Shepperton Studios in England.

These locations helped create an authentic yet fantastical representation of 1920s Egypt.

Awards and Nominations

Saturn Awards: Won Best Actor (Brendan Fraser) and Best Make-up. Nominated for Best Fantasy Film, Best Actress (Rachel Weisz), Best Director, Best Writing, Best Costumes, and Best Special Effects.
Academy Awards: Nominated for Best Sound.

Behind the Scenes Insights

Brendan Fraser nearly died during a hanging scene due to an accident where he lost consciousness.
Rachel Weisz had to overcome her fear of insects for scenes involving scarabs.
The film’s special effects, particularly for Imhotep, were groundbreaking at the time and took significant time and resources to perfect.

Inspirations and References

Universal Monsters: The film is a loose remake of the 1932 horror classic “The Mummy,” starring Boris Karloff.
Indiana Jones: The adventurous and treasure-hunting aspects were inspired by the “Indiana Jones” franchise.

Alternate Endings and Deleted Scenes

There are no significant alternate endings, but the filmmakers trimmed several scenes for pacing. These included additional character development for the supporting cast.

Book Adaptations and Differences

Novelization: Max Allan Collins adapted the film into a novel, expanding on the characters’ backgrounds and adding scenes not present in the movie.

Memorable Scenes and Quotes

Key Scenes

Opening Scene: The dramatic prologue detailing Imhotep’s curse.
Library Scene: Evy’s chaotic accident in the library, showcasing her character’s clumsiness.
Resurrection Scene: The terrifying moment Imhotep is brought back to life.
Climactic Battle: The intense final battle in Hamunaptra.

Iconic Quotes

“Death is only the beginning.” – Imhotep
“No harm ever came from opening a book.” – Evelyn
“Rescue the damsel in distress, kill the bad guy, save the world.” – Rick O’Connell

Easter Eggs and Hidden Details

The scarabs in the film are a nod to the real-life fascination with these insects in ancient Egyptian culture.
Imhotep’s curse and resurrection scenes incorporate hieroglyphs that tell the story accurately, adding authenticity.

Trivia

Brendan Fraser’s physical training was intense, involving sword fighting and horseback riding.
The character of Beni was inspired by the stereotypical “weasel” sidekick seen in many adventure films.
Rachel Weisz performed many of her own stunts, including the underwater scenes.

Why Watch?

“The Mummy” is a perfect blend of action, adventure, and supernatural horror with a touch of romance and humor. Brendan Fraser and Rachel Weisz deliver charismatic performances, making the film an entertaining ride from start to finish.