Mirage Synopsis & Review: Plot Summary

🎯 Quick Overview

😅 Plot Summary – Badly Explained

Amnesiac accountant stumbles through a blackout, dodging goons and trying to remember if he ordered pizza before his brain went on vacation.

🍿 Mirage: Detailed Plot Synopsis

The Blackout and Amnesia

The film opens with David Stillwell (Gregory Peck) descending a darkened skyscraper during a blackout. He encounters a woman, Shela (Diane Baker), who seems to know him, but Stillwell is disoriented and suffering from amnesia. Upon exiting the building, he learns that his boss, Charles Calvin, has fallen to his death.

Pursuit and Mystery

Stillwell struggles to piece together his identity as he’s pursued by menacing figures. He hires a private detective, Ted Caselle (Walter Matthau), to help him uncover the truth. Shela offers cryptic warnings, urging him to cooperate with ‘the Major,’ who seems to be behind the chaos.

Unraveling the Truth

As Stillwell delves deeper, he discovers that his identity as a cost accountant is a fabrication. Flashbacks reveal his involvement in a top-secret project related to world peace, led by Charles Calvin. The ‘Major’ seeks to suppress this project and silence anyone involved.

⚠️ Spoilers and Ending Explained

🎬 Cast & Characters

• David Stillwell (Gregory Peck): An amnesiac accountant finds himself entangled in a conspiracy after his boss’s death, struggling to recover his memories while being hunted.
• Shela (Diane Baker): David’s former love interest who attempts to help him while keeping secrets to protect him from those who are after him.
• Ted Caselle (Walter Matthau): A novice private detective hired by David to help unravel the mystery of his amnesia and the forces pursuing him.
• Major Crawford (Leif Erickson): The shadowy figure known as ‘The Major’ who seeks something David possesses, driving the film’s central conflict.
• Willard (George Kennedy): A ruthless and violent enforcer working for The Major, tasked with retrieving what David has and eliminating anyone who gets in the way.
• Josephson (Kevin McCarthy): David’s opportunistic and weak business executive, is somehow related to the conspiracies around.
• Lester (Jack Weston): One of the thugs hired by Major to follow David Stillwell.

💬 Memorable Quotes

• David Stillwell: “I think the entire building’s gone mad. Everyone’s running around trying to rescind the Ten Commandments.” – David says this when he realizes how strange people are acting and how surreal the situation has become.
• Shela: “I’ve never understood why most people will do things in the dark, that they’d never think of doing in the light.” – Shela says this during a conversation about morality and hidden motives in the film’s shadowy world.
• David Stillwell: “I’d explain it to you, but, I’m afraid the lights might come back on.” – David retorts with this line highlighting the irony of deception needing darkness to thrive.

💰Box Office

• Budget: N/A
• Domestic Gross: $3,270,000
• Worldwide Gross: N/A

💥 Mirage Reviews

Personal Review

I was really drawn into the mystery of “Mirage”! Gregory Peck’s character is so lost and confused, and I was right there with him trying to piece everything together. The black and white cinematography really adds to the suspenseful atmosphere, especially in the scenes during the blackout. I thought the plot had some twists and turns that kept me guessing until the very end. Walter Matthau was terrific too, wish he had more screen time! It’s a classic thriller that is very worth watching.

• Who would enjoy:
  • “Fans of classic thrillers”
  • “Viewers interested in amnesia and identity themes”
  • “People who enjoy Gregory Peck and Walter Matthau movies”
• Content warnings ⚠:
  • “Violence”
  • “Brief scenes of suspense and peril”

Professional Reviews

• Variety: “Dmytryk crafts a taut thriller that effectively uses its New York City locations. While the plot occasionally meanders, the performances, especially Matthau’s, keep you invested. A solid entry in the conspiracy thriller genre.
• The New York Times: “Mirage is a stylish but somewhat uneven thriller. Peck delivers a competent performance, but the film’s strength lies in its supporting cast and the unsettling atmosphere created by its black-and-white cinematography.

Audience Reactions

Walter Matthau’s performance as the private detective Ted Caselle.: Matthau brings a sardonic charm and wit to his role.

The unsettling atmosphere created by the black-and-white cinematography.: Fans appreciated how the black and white film added to the mystery, suspense and thriller elements.

Overall Consensus: A stylish but occasionally uneven thriller that benefits from strong performances and an intriguing premise, although some find the plot convoluted or the resolution unsatisfying.

Awards

🛠️ Behind the Scenes

• “Gregory Peck was so impressed with Peter Stone’s screenplay that he gifted the writer a Rolls-Royce after the movie’s release.”
• “The film was shot in black and white, which was becoming less common in 1965, to enhance the atmosphere of paranoia and mystery.”
• “Quincy Jones composed the score, adding a layer of suspense and intrigue to the film’s psychological elements.”

🖥️ How to Watch Mirage?

Mirage (1965) is currently available for purchase or rental on various platforms. You can find it on Amazon Prime Video, Apple TV, and other VOD services. Check your local listings for availability.

🎥 Similar Movies

If you enjoyed Mirage, you might like these similar films:

• Spellbound (1945): Both films feature a protagonist with amnesia entangled in a psychological mystery.
• North by Northwest (1959): An innocent man is thrust into a world of espionage and must clear his name.
• Three Days of the Condor (1975): Features a similar theme of paranoia and government conspiracy in a contemporary setting.
• The Manchurian Candidate (1962): Deals with themes of mind control and political manipulation, echoing the protagonist’s distorted reality.

🛒 Mirage Related Products

• Mirage (1965) Movie Poster: A high-quality reproduction of the original movie poster. Perfect for fans of classic thrillers and Gregory Peck.
• Gregory Peck Film Collection (DVD): A collection of Gregory Peck’s most memorable movies, including “Mirage.” Enjoy hours of classic entertainment.
• Amnesia: The Dark Descent (PC Game): A first-person survival horror game that deals with amnesia, exploration, and the struggle for survival. Experience the terror of the unknown.
• Film Noir: The Dark Side of Hollywood: A book exploring the history and aesthetics of film noir, including analysis of films like “Mirage” that borrow from the genre.

🎧 Soundtrack

Mirage features a captivating soundtrack that enhances the movie’s atmosphere and emotional impact. Here are some notable tracks:

• “Main Title” – performed by Quincy Jones
• “The Street” – performed by Quincy Jones

You can find the complete soundtrack on Amazon Music and Apple Music.

🤨 FAQ

🔥 Bonus Content

Beastie Boys – Sabotage (Official Music Video)

Ever wondered where that cop show vibe came from? The Beastie Boys’ ‘Sabotage’ music video perfectly captures the spirit of the era and influenced the film, you have to see this iconic masterpiece!

Voicing Mirage from Transformers: Rise of the Beasts…one last time!

Want to know what it’s like to voice a Transformer? Check out this video where the voice actor for Mirage shares some insights and has some fun!

It’s an honor 🙏🏻🙏🏻 #transformers #optimus

If you loved the movie, you’ll love this hilarious take on it! A quick and funny way to relive the best moments.

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