Mask (1985)

A teenager with a massive facial skull deformity and biker gang mother attempts to live as normal a life as possible under the circumstances.

Director:

Peter Bogdanovich

Writer:

Anna Hamilton Phelan

Stars:

Cher, Sam Elliott, Eric Stoltz

Won 1 Oscar. Another 2 wins & 6 nominations.

Cast

Cast overview, first billed only:
Cher	...	Florence 'Rusty' Dennis
Sam Elliott	...	Gar
Eric Stoltz	...	Roy L.'Rocky' Dennis
Estelle Getty	...	Evelyn
Richard Dysart	...	Abe
Laura Dern	...	Diana Adams
Micole Mercurio	...	Babe
Harry Carey Jr.	...	Red
Dennis Burkley	...	Dozer
Lawrence Monoson	...	Ben
Ben Piazza	...	Mr. Simms
L. Craig King	...	Eric
Alexandra Powers	...	Lisa
Kelly Jo Minter	...	Lorrie (as Kelly Minter)
Joe Unger	...	1st Boyfriend

Storyline

Rusty Dennis is the mother of Rocky, a seriously deformed but extremely intelligent and emotionally warm teenager. Rusty is a no-nonsense mother whose wild lifestyle is often at odds with her tenderness and protectiveness towards Rocky. She is determined that Rocky be given the same chances and happiness that everyone else takes for granted.

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Plot Keywords:

biker gang | biker | deformity | california | dignity | 

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Taglines:

Sometimes the most unlikely people become heroes.

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Genres:

Biography | Drama

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Certificate:

R

Details

Country:

USA

Language:

English

Release Date:

8 March 1985 (USA)

Also Known As:

Peter Bogdanovich's Mask

Filming Locations:

Azusa, California, USA

Box Office

Gross:

$42,400,000 (USA)

Company Credits

Production Co:

Universal Pictures

Technical Specs

Runtime:

120 min 127 min (director's cut)

Sound Mix:

Mono

Color:

Color (Technicolor)

Aspect Ratio:

1.85 : 1

Did You Know?

Trivia

Rob Lowe was nearly cast as Rocky Dennis. He declined due to scheduling conflicts with an unannounced film that was eventually canceled.

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Goofs

When Rocky looks in the carnival mirror it alters his deformed face to appear almost normal. They send for his mother (Cher) to look at him. The same mirror that altered Rocky's face to appear normal should have deformed his mother's face. But when you see them looking in the mirror, Cher's face is looking perfect. Also, Rocky's nose casts a shadow in the mirror; on his actual face, the bridge of his nose casts no shadow.

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Quotes

[repeated line]
Evelyn: Florence.

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Connections

Referenced in Angel: Hero (1999)

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Soundtracks

"The Moog and Me"
Written by Dick Hyman
Performed by Dick Hyman

User Reviews

first rate

This is one of those movies that makes you feel good. Despite the knowledge of Rocky's inevitable fate, you will like this film. Watching him deal with other kids' initial fear and hatred towards him because of his appearance, he eventually gets them to like and respect him. The best part is that this is based on a true story. You will love it, guaranteed.

*** 1/2 out of ****