The mirror, this everyday object in which we see ourselves and in front of which we are reflected, is in its essence a cinematic object, this visual and gaze art. It is therefore not surprising to find this element, both decorative and narrative, in many film scenes, some of them particularly striking.
The first one that immediately comes to mind, because it is undoubtedly one of the most famous in the history of cinema, is inseparable from this dialogue that has become iconic over the years: “Are you talking to me?”. We, of course, want to talk about Robert De Niro, aka Travis Bickle in Martin Scorsese’s Taxi Driver, who is preparing in front of the mirror and preparing his intervention, a revolver hidden in the sleeve of his jacket.
A scene that is also quoted in one of the powerful French films of the 90s, Mathieu Kasowitz’s La Haine, in which Vincent Cassel, in a slightly more tense register and this time in front of the camera, repeats the scene in his no less famous “.Are you talking to me?“.
We can also use Eyes Wide Shut, Stanley Kubrick’s last film, when Nicole Kidman, after returning from a party, finds herself in front of a mirror, removing her earrings, “wearing” only glasses, soon joined by Tom Kuis. The simplest device. A short, seemingly innocuous scene that will still be the main motif for the movie’s poster.
Examples abound, of course, from the crossing of Orpheus’s mirror in Jean Cocteau’s film to the incredible contact sequence, including many scenes from fantasy films. But it’s game time, ten more mirror scenes to figure out!
Source: Allocine
Rose James is a Gossipify movie and series reviewer known for her in-depth analysis and unique perspective on the latest releases. With a background in film studies, she provides engaging and informative reviews, and keeps readers up to date with industry trends and emerging talents.
