The Mask (1994)

Bank clerk Stanley Ipkiss is transformed into a manic superhero when he wears a mysterious mask.

Director:

Chuck Russell (as Charles Russell)

Writers:

Michael Fallon (story), Mark Verheiden (story)

Stars:

Jim Carrey, Cameron Diaz, Peter Riegert

Nominated for 1 Oscar. Another 6 wins & 19 nominations.

Cast

Cast overview, first billed only:
Jim Carrey	...	Stanley Ipkiss
Peter Riegert	...	Lt. Mitch Kellaway
Peter Greene	...	Dorian
Amy Yasbeck	...	Peggy Brandt
Richard Jeni	...	Charlie Schumaker
Orestes Matacena	...	Niko
Tim Bagley	...	Irv (as Timothy Bagley)
Nancy Fish	...	Mrs. Peenman
Johnny Williams	...	Burt
Reg E. Cathey	...	Freeze (as Reginald E. Cathey)
Jim Doughan	...	Doyle
Denis Forest	...	Sweet Eddy
Cameron Diaz	...	Tina Carlyle
Joseph Alfieri	...	Police Officer
B.J. Barie	...	Alley Punk #1

Storyline

Stanley Ipkiss (Jim Carrey) is a bank clerk that is an incredibly nice man. Unfortunately, he is too nice for his own good and is a pushover when it comes to confrontations. After one of the worst days of his life, he finds a mask that depicts Loki, the Norse night god of mischief. Now, when he puts it on, he becomes his inner, self: a cartoon romantic wild man. However, a small time crime boss, Dorian Tyrel (Peter Greene), comes across this character dubbed "The Mask" by the media. After Ipkiss's alter ego indirectly kills his friend in crime, Tyrel now wants this green-faced goon destroyed.

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Plot Keywords:

pantyhose | alter ego | super villain | camera shot of feet | female stockinged feet | 

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Taglines:

Stanley Ipkiss is not the man he used to be.

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Genres:

Comedy | Crime | Fantasy

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Motion Picture Rating (MPAA)

Rated PG-13 for some stylized violence

Details

Official Sites:

Official Facebook

Country:

USA

Language:

English Swedish

Release Date:

29 July 1994 (USA)

Also Known As:

The Mask

Filming Locations:

City Hall - 14410 Sylvan Street, Van Nuys, Los Angeles, California, USA

Box Office

Budget:

$23,000,000 (estimated)

Opening Weekend USA:

$23,117,068, 31 July 1994

Gross USA:

$119,938,730

Cumulative Worldwide Gross:

$351,583,407

Company Credits

Production Co:

Dark Horse Entertainment, New Line Cinema

Technical Specs

Runtime:

101 min 114 min (workprint)

Sound Mix:

DTS Dolby (Dolby Stereo) Dolby Digital (Dolby 5.1)

Color:

Color

Aspect Ratio:

1.85 : 1

Did You Know?

Trivia

Cameron Diaz had to audition 12 times for the part of Tina, only landing the role 7 days before shooting began.

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Goofs

At the beginning, when the diver discovers the chest, there are at least two dozen rocks on top of it. When he swims over to it, about a dozen rocks are on top of it.

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Quotes

Doyle: You got any pickle relish?
Lieutenant Mitch Kellaway: Doyle, get in the car.
Doyle: But I ordered onion rings.
Lieutenant Mitch Kellaway: Doyle!

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Crazy Credits

When all the credits have finished some jazz drumming is heard. Then the familiar sounds of The Mask are heard saying "Yo-ho-ho-ho" (in a very drawn voice) then the sound of The Mask spinning away is heard straight after.

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Alternate Versions

New Line's Special Edition DVD includes two scenes that were removed from the theatrical version prior to release:

• a prologue, set in the 11th century, showing the arrival of a Viking boat to America; the Vikings come ashore, bury a chest that contains Loki's mask and then leave;
• (SPOILER) a longer version of the scene where Peggy Brandt betrays Stanley. In the theatrical version she supposedly leaves the printing plant after getting her money; the longer version shows the Masked Dorian killing her by throwing her inside the presses.

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Connections

Referenced in Freak Out (2004)

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Soundtracks

Who's That Man
Written by Jermaine Dupri, Manuel Seal, Latosha Scott, and Tamika Scott
Performed by Xscape
Courtesy of Columbia Records

User Reviews

A Fine comedy treat

Carrey is on top mad-cap form in the Mask, he plays Stanley Ipkiss, a boring Mr. nice guy with a longing for more excitement and success in his life. When he finds a relic of an ancient mask, he gets slightly more than he could have dreamt of; he becomes a cartoonish superhero and at last he can live out his desires; or not!

This film also introduced the very beautiful Cameron Diaz, and what man can forget her first screen appearance as she breezes in to the bank in all her splendour.

Hilariously funny, cracking special effects and a thoroughly entertaining story, the Mask is a winner people, and it's an absolute must-see for everyone who likes a bit of Jim Carrey madness.

7/10