Day 194 - The Mask

Day 194         The Mask [1994]

                          

Screenplay                    Mike Werb, Michael Fallon & Mark Verheiden

Based on                       ‘The Mask’ by John Acurdi & Doug Mahnke

Director                         Charles Russell

Cinematography            John R. Leonetti

Music                            Randy Edelman

Leads                            Jim Carrey, Cameron Diaz, Peter Greene, Richard Jeni, Peter Riegert, Jim Doughan

Production                     New Line Productions, Dark Horse Entertainment

IMDb                                 6.9/10

Rotten Tomatoes                 77%

Takes me back this one. What a film! And what a performance from one of this blog’s favourites – jocund Jim Carrey – playing a shy bank clerk, Stanley Ipkiss, whose life changes when he finds an old Scandinavian mask containing the spirit of the Norse god of mischief, Loki. Funnily enough, that’s a detail I only found out this time around. I honestly think I last saw this film 15 years ago, but it hadn’t aged a day. For those of you unlucky enough to have never seen this film, the mask turns Stanley’s face green and gives him godlike powers. Stanley is a huge fan of cartoons and comics and so when he has the mask on his persona often imitates much-loved Looney Tunes characters Taz, Pepé Le Pew, Bugs Bunny and the wolf. A bunch of other references are thrown in there thanks to Jim Carrey himself, and some good writing. One in particular I enjoyed was the reference to the Rodney King beatings, a darker, powerful reference in a seemingly comical film. Cameron Diaz also stars in her first ever film having been discovered outside a modelling agency. I think she did a good job, affirming the fame she has achieved ever since. I enjoyed the 90s comedy cops who appears to be the same in every film. You know the ones. One tough guy and one idiot who always get close to catching the right guy but never do. DOYLE!! I am firmly of the belief that only Jim Carrey could have played this character. I was trying to come up with a good female lead for a modern-day reboot of The Mask – as that was originally the plan for The Mask 2, a film that never got off the ground. Probably a good thing after watching Son of the Mask. I could not think of one. Kate McKinnon was the only person who I think could pull it off, but although she’s hilarious, I’m not sure she has the energy to match Jim Carrey in his prime. I’m not sure anyone does. The Mask is one of those perfect films that exists for all ages. It combines slapstick for the kids and reference humour for the adults, as well as song and dance numbers that it’s hard for anyone to dislike. I’m off to start a Carrey appreciation society. Who’s with me?

Acting                           3.5 / 4

Writing                             3 / 4

Cinematography               3 / 4

Music                               3 / 4

HWF rating               3.5 / 4