Mask (1985)

Peter Bogdanovich directed this sensitive and moving story about a teenage boy, Rocky (Eric Stoltz), who lives with severe facial deformities and poor prognosis for survival beyond childhood. The film concentrates on that threshold-of-adulthood period familiar to past and present 16-year-olds, folding together common experiences of youth (love, hassles with mom, a desire to travel) with the special burdens endured by the hero. Stoltz, absolutely unrecognizable under lots and lots of prosthetic makeup, is quite good, as are Cher (as Rocky's mother) and Sam Elliott (Rocky's father figure). More than a tearjerker, the film is a genuine celebration of all that is most precious in life, even more to those who have nothing to take for granted. --Tom Keogh Amazon.com essential video

A truly inspirational story...

`Mask' is the type of film that moves you to tears. It is genuinely sweet and sincere and heartbreaking as well as heartwarming. It is true that the film can, at times, feel forced and manipulative, but who doesn't like having their feelings manipulated in this manner. The true story of Rocky Dennis is inspirational and poignant and one that we all should take to heart; and `Mask' gives us the opportunity to do just that.

The film recounts the final year of Rocky's life. Growing up with a rare disease (craniodiaphyseal dysplasia) was not easy for Rocky, but with the support from his very strong and very loving mother Rusty, Rocky was able to make it through. Teased by other kids and humiliated by teachers, Rocky learned at a young age to form a thick skin, and his mother's defensive and free-spirited attitude helped Rocky to realize that he was no different than anyone else and thus didn't deserve to be treated differently. The film also portrays Rocky's relationship with his mother and his struggle to clean her up (she was heavy into drugs and this caused problems between her and Rocky). He was a very strong boy, a very stable force in his mother's life and he made a huge impact on all who came in contact with him.

Like I mentioned, the film is at times quite manipulative. It is a dramatized account of the real Rocky Dennis's life, but that is to be expected. It falls into the clichéd family/drama moments (the aggravated confrontation that leads to a regretful slapping of a child...the conveniently placed shelf of beer mugs prime for smashing in a fit of emotional rage) and while these moments are unnecessary, I'd be lying if I said they weren't effective.

What is necessary and equally effective is the acting, which is, for the most part, outstanding. Reportedly Cher was quite upset that her performance was not recognized by Oscar. That in itself seems pretty presumptuous, since to expect you will be Oscar nominated is rather arrogant; but then I saw her performance and quite honestly, it was better than half the nominees. As Rusty, Cher is above and beyond outstanding. She emulates every raw and passionate emotion rolling through this woman's body. She captures the love, the fear, the depression, the pride; everything this woman stood for is presented for us accurately. Eric Stoltz has a tough job of acting through makeup, which means that he has to do a lot more with his eyes than under normal circumstances. Many have praised him for his portrayal of Rocky, and I will not knock him, but in all honesty, to me, he was the weakest link here. I was more moved by Cher's portrayal of his mother than I was of Stoltz performance; but that is just me. Sam Elliott is strong as the father figure in his life; Gar, and Laura Dern has a beautifully sincere turn as Diana, the blind girl who falls in love with Rocky.

The film is touching, as to be expected, and in all its `Ron Howardesque' ways it manages to choke out the cry-baby in all of us. `Mask' is a very tender film that tells a very beautiful story of love and strength and the power to overcome all obstacles presented before us. Rocky was born with a deficiency but he never allowed that to factor into his life. He lived each and every day to the fullest, and that is an inspiration for all of us, especially those of us who tend to take life for granted. November 6, 2008

the mask.

this movie i have seen many years ago and to me is a very touching movie i feel this movie teaches you everyday lessons like no matter what you look like it's what inside that counts your heart. the movie showed where rocky had a girlfriend at camp and he went to where she lived at to see her but the girl's parents treated rocky like dirt this movie is fanastic in it's own rights! i give this movie a ton of stars! November 5, 2008

mask

There's a scene where the horribly facially deformed Rocky is verbally accosted in the hallway at his highschool by another student who tells him to take off his mask. Rocky grabs this other teenager and slams him against the lockers replying, "I'll take of my mask when you take off yours" and that's one of the coolest lines I ever heard in a movie.

If you have a narcissistic or low self-esteem person in your life or anybody that feels sorry for themself too much have them watch MASK (not THE MASK). The acting is great. Cher is Rocky's mother, Sam Elliot is Cher's biker boyfriend and Eric Stoltz is Rocky. Peter Bogdanovich directed. In the film a poem written by the real-life Rocky is read:

These things are good:
Ice cream and cake,
A ride on a Harley,
Seeing monkeys on a tree,
The rain on my tongue,
And the sun shining on my face.

These things are a drag:
Dust on my hair,
Holes in my shoes,
No money in my pocket,
And the sun shining on my face.
October 31, 2008

Mask

Mask is a wonderful movie. It really makes you think about things and gives you a real soft spot in your heart. September 15, 2008

MASK GETS A FACELIFT! ORIGINAL VERSION NOW AVAILABLE!

I remember seeing 'Mask' on cable many years ago, but I never felt it was deep enough to be considered a great movie. This version on the special edition has restored the Springsteen sound track and some very important scenes to make this film a much more poignant experience. Cher, Stoltz, Elliott and Dern are all believable in this tragic story of the deformed youth.

Stoltz who played one of Jeff Spicoli's stoner buds in 'Fast Times At Ridgemont High' and a hilarious role as Lance in 'Pulp Fiction' shows a lot of talent hidden under a ton of make-up. The DVD transfer look very good, but I noticed some softness in certain scenes. The short documentary does explain the differences in the theatrical version and this one that ended up hidden away until now. It's well worth checking out and is a much better film. September 13, 2008

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