Mask (1985)

Director:

Peter Bogdanovich

Writer:

Anna Hamilton Phelan (written by)

Release Date:

8 March 1985 (USA)

Genre:

Biography | Drama

Tagline:

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

Plot:

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

Plot Keywords:

Biker Gang | Biker | Deformity | Prejudice | Sport Card

Awards:

Won Oscar. Another 1 win & 6 nominations

Cast

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

Also Known As:

Peter Bogdanovich's Mask (USA) (complete title)

Runtime:

120 min | USA:127 min (director's cut)

Country:

USA

Language:

English

Color:

Color (Technicolor)

Aspect Ratio:

1.85 : 1

Sound Mix:

Mono

Certification:

Iceland:12 | West Germany:12 (f) | South Korea:15 | Argentina:13 | Chile:14 | Finland:K-10 | France:U | Spain:13 | Sweden:11 | UK:15 | USA:PG-13 | Singapore:PG | Australia:M | Netherlands:AL

Filming Locations:

Azusa, California, USA

Company:

Universal Pictures

Trivia:

'Rob Lowe (I)' was nearly cast as Rocky Dennis.

Goofs:

Continuity: (At 45:50) The principal asks Rocky to be a Councilor's Aide for a JULY Summer Camp session, and yet at 1:26:06 while Rocky is there and dancing with Diana, it is somehow NEW YEAR'S EVE complete with a countdown and the customary hoopla.

Quotes:

Rocky Dennis: Don't worry, Mr. Simms. I look weird, but otherwise I'm real normal. Everything'll be cool.

Movie Connections:

Referenced in The Ten (2007)

Soundtrack:

The Promised Land

Unique Film

I saw this film on TV, and it really affected me, because it was so different from most of the cliche-ridden dramatic films. It didn't really fit any "genre", because the situation and characters were so different. They were truly American, bikers with a bit of bravado but underlying sensitivity and compassion, and sense of community. It makes sense that this was a true story. I thought both Stoltz and Cher did magnificent acting jobs, although Stoltz really carried the film, with his understated sense of irony and his willingness to help others, even though inflicted with such a stigma. I agree that he should have been bullied more if this was reality, yet Bogdanovich took a great risk in the superficial culture of celluloid, to devote an entire film to someone with an ugly, deformed face. Often, it was hard to look at him, and brought up questions about my own superficial judgments of people according to their appearances. I am saddened and at the same time, inspired, to hear this was a true story. Belated congratulations and thanks to all involved with this problematic, yet ultimately, encouraging, work.