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 & 20 nominations.

Cast

Cast overview, first billed only:
Jim Carrey	...	Stanley Ipkiss / The Mask
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

Timid bank clerk, Stanley Ipkiss (Jim Carrey). Unfortunately, he's too gentle, and is unable to handle confrontations. After one of the worst days, he finds a mask which depicts Loki, the Norse god of mischief. When he puts it on, he becomes his inner, self: a cartoon wild man. After Ipkiss's alter ego indirectly kills the friend of small time crime boss, Dorian Tyrel (Peter Greene),he wants the green-faced goon destroyed.

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Plot Keywords:

alter ego | cult film | pantyhose | wolf whistle | supernatural power | 

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Taglines:

S-S-S-S-S-Smokin!!!

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Genres:

Action | Comedy | Crime | Fantasy

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Motion Picture Rating (MPAA)

Rated PG-13 for some stylized violence

Did You Know?

Trivia

Jim Carrey was paid $450,000 for his work in the film, a huge bargain for New Line because the deal was signed before Ace Ventura: Pet Detective (1994) became a surprise hit, and made The Mask a hot property for the summer 1994 release schedule; Carrey then inked a $7 million before this film opened to star in Dumb and Dumber (1994).

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Goofs

Stage lights can be seen reflected in the TV showing Red Hot Riding Hood.

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Quotes

Mayor Mitchell Tilton: I want to see you in my office first thing tomorrow morning.
Lieutenant Mitch Kellaway: Yes, your honor.
Doyle: That doesn't sound good at all.
Lieutenant Mitch Kellaway: [Sarcastically] No, it doesn't sound good. What would sound good to you?
Doyle: Breakfast!
Lieutenant Mitch Kellaway: SHUT UP!

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Crazy Credits

(VHS): After the movie's over, Space Ghost from Cartoon Network makes an appearance explaining he liked the movie and interviews the director and Jim Carrey. After that, there's a Ghostplanet.org ad with spaceship beeping sounds

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Alternate Versions

A work print version of this film can be found online. It includes the following An alternative opening with the Vikings carrying a treasure trove with Loki being inside. Stanley talking to a female co worker who explains that her friends fiance left her and Stanley gives her tickets. Stanley giving Charlie 50 dollars to attend a nightclub. Stanley being bullied by the thugs who later get punished by him as the mask. Jim Carrey doing his own stunts without the mask on him. Tina confronting her ex boyfriend during a singalong. Tina getting a standing ovation after singing Gee Baby and thanks everyone. Peggy getting murdered by Dorian (available on DVD)

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Connections

Referenced in At the Movies: Gattaca/The House of Yes/A Life Less Ordinary/FairyTale: A True Story/Sunday (1997)

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Soundtracks

Hi De Ho
Written by Cab Calloway, Clarence Gaskill, Irving Mills, Harry White, Lewis Sharpe, and Tony Moran
Performed by K7
Courtesy of Tommy Boy Music, Inc.

User Reviews

Somebody stop that Jim!

This was the movie that got me into Jim Carrey (though I'd seen him on "In Living Color" a couple of times), and it's still my favorite, though Ace Ventura #1 was also kind of funny.

The great thing about this film is that Jim is actually really restrained all throughout, only going into goof ball mode when he puts on the Mask. He's pretty likable and engaging here, not quite as prone to irritating some audience members like he did in "Batman Forever" and "Ace Ventura #2". Cameron Diaz... my God, she looked SO GOOD here, how have her looks faded so quickly since this film? She looks so... plastic now, kind of like a giant Barbie doll.

One of the big standout scenes in this one is Jim singing "Cuban Pete" to escape all the cops. Not that the other Mask gags are unfunny, but Cuban Pete really stands out. Too bad the cartoon Mask didn't have a little more restraint to it.

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:

New Line Cinema, Dark Horse Entertainment

Technical Specs

Runtime:

101 min 114 min (workprint)

Sound Mix:

DTS Dolby (Dolby Stereo) Dolby Digital (DVD)

Color:

Color

Aspect Ratio:

1.85 : 1