Building A Better Mummy (1999)

Building A Better Mummy Poster

An in-depth look into the creative and technical processes that brought us the heart-stopping visual effects of the film, with director Stephen Sommers and the crew at Industrial Light & Magic (ILM).

Intro
"Building A Better Mummy" is a 1999 documentary that looks into the history, techniques, and science behind the mummification procedure in ancient Egypt. The film was directed by Arthur Drooker and provides a fascinating account of the ancient art and its modern analysis by researchers, historians, and medical experts from all over the world.

Mummification Techniques
The movie provides mummification not simply as a burial ritual but a sophisticated process including considerable clinical understanding. Through engaging re-enactments, we are taken back to the time of the pharaohs. In-depth procedures were followed, beginning with the elimination of internal organs, followed by the drying of the body, and finally, the detailed process of covering and accessory. This precise procedure was thought to protect the bodies for the afterlife.

Scientific Approach
"Building A Better Mummy" showcases how contemporary science is used to study ancient Egyptian mummification. Multi-disciplinary specialists, consisting of archaeologists, anthropologists, and forensic scientists, utilize modern innovations like computer system tomography (CT) scans and high-tech imaging strategies to reveal cooling details about the mummified bodies. This not just deciphers the mummification procedure but likewise yields insights into the diseases, injuries, and general health of the ancient Egyptians.

Famous Mummies
Several well-known Egyptian mummies are analyzed in the documentary, consisting of Ramses the Great and Tutankhamun. The researchers discover interesting discoveries about their lives and deaths. The conditions of their mummified remains, such as the maintained state of Tutankhamun's heart, display the advanced nature of Egyptian mummification.

Medical Application
The film likewise checks out the potential medical advantages of studying mummies. A case in point is the effective extraction of DNA samples from the mummies, which might hold significant historic data. Such research studies can potentially supply special insights into medical evolution, as they can trace the origins of certain illness and how they evolved with time.

Conclusion
"Building A Better Mummy" marries the fascination for ancient Egypt with the power of science, painting an in-depth picture of how the Egyptians mastered the art of mummification and how modern technology can further unwind its tricks. It's a thought-provoking and illuminating lens into a longstanding secret of human history. The film impresses upon the viewer the sheer resourcefulness of the ancient Egyptians and invites a more appreciation of their knowledge and sophistication.

Top Cast

  • Stephen Sommers (small)
    Stephen Sommers
    Himself (as Steven Sommers)
  • John Andrew Berton Jr.
    Himself
  • Sean Daniel
    Himself
  • Brendan Fraser (small)
    Brendan Fraser
    Himself
  • Alexander Laurant
    Himself (as Alex Laurant)
  • Daniel Jeannette
    Himself (as Daniel Jeanette)
  • Dennis Turner
    Himself
  • Michael Bauer
    Himself
  • Ben Snow
    Himself
  • Catherine Craig
    Herself
  • Arnold Vosloo (small)
    Arnold Vosloo
    Himself