Mask (1985)

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

Director:

Peter Bogdanovich

Writer:

Anna Hamilton Phelan

Stars:

Cher, Eric Stoltz, Sam Elliott

Won 1 Oscar. Another 2 wins & 7 nominations.

Cast

Cast overview, first billed only:
Cher	...	Rusty Dennis
Sam Elliott	...	Gar
Eric Stoltz	...	Rocky Dennis
Estelle Getty	...	Evelyn
Richard Dysart	...	Abe
Laura Dern	...	Diana
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:

f rated | teenager | biker | deformity | prejudice | 

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Taglines:

They told 16-year-old Rocky Dennis he could never be like everyone else. So he was determined to be better.

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Genres:

Biography | Drama

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Certificate:

PG-13

Details

Country:

USA

Language:

English

Release Date:

22 March 1985 (USA)

Also Known As:

Peter Bogdanovich's Mask

Filming Locations:

William Howard Taft Charter High School, Woodland Hills, California, USA

Box Office

Budget:

$8,000,000 (estimated)

Gross USA:

$48,230,162

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

Songs by Bob Seger were substituted in place of those by Bruce Springsteen shortly before the film's release after a failure to reach an agreement with Bruce Springsteen.

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Goofs

When Cher opens her beer can in the camping scene near the beginning of the movie, the can has a stay tab. These were not used on cans until the 80s. Cans prior to then used pull tabs.

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Quotes

Rusty Dennis: [her final line, after finding that Rocky has passed away in his sleep] ... Now you can go anywhere you want, baby.

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Alternate Versions

The Director's Cut print runs around 7 minutes longer and includes a scene where Rocky & Rusty sing around a bonfire, and the funeral of cyclist Red (his motorbike is buried beside him). It also replaces the Bob Seger songs with those of Bruce Springsteen.

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Connections

Referenced in Easy Riders, Raging Bulls: How the Sex, Drugs and Rock 'N' Roll Generation Saved Hollywood (2003)

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Soundtracks

Dirty Work
Written by Walter Becker / Donald Fagen
Performed by Steely Dan

User Reviews

A triumph in storytelling.

Definitely one of the best films made in 1985; Peter Bogdanovich's "Mask" is an engrossing character study on the life of Rocky Dennis, and the somewhat tumultuous but always loving relationship he shared with his mom Rusty. Tragic, touching, inspirational – the movie succeeds in proving the importance of maintaining a positive attitude despite life's adversities. Bogdanovich masterfully draws stunning performances from all of the principle players. With several noteworthy scenes throughout the film where Cher shines, it's no surprise she won the best actress trophy at Cannes for her role as Rusty; effectively depicting a loving mother who is incredibly strong willed, yet also lost and vulnerable. No other actress would have made the portrayal so gut wrenchingly real – it's a shame she wasn't awarded the Oscar as well. Eric Stoltz, Sam Elliott, and Laura Dern are also magnificent. The incredible acting by everyone involved really makes this film such a rewarding and worthwhile experience, with the viewer being taken on an intimate journey through the lives of every day people facing extraordinary circumstances. If possible, see the original version with the Bob Seger soundtrack – the re-release DVD contains only the Springsteen soundtrack; which one would have expected a Director's Cut edition to have both choices. Having seen the original so many times, I opted to hunt down the now out-of-print original theatrical release by Image Entertainment for my collection. Not to be missed by anyone with an interest in true life stories. Highly recommended – a 9/10.