Mask (1985)

I was relieved to find that Peter Bogdanovich's 1985 film "Mask" was in no way the ultra-depressing somber fest I envisioned it to be. Paying only vague attention to the movie when it began to air oh-so-creatively on FX one day, I quickly grew absorbed in the life of Rocky Dennis, the extremely deformed (his skull is large and mishapen due to "lionitis") teenage main character (wonderfully portrayed by Eric Stoltz) -- a very likable and easygoing guy who hardly let the rudeness that came his way affect him. Hence, most characters in the movie liked Rocky. Nobody made a freak show out of him, which was relieving and a definite plus!

I even tolerated Cher in the first half hour or so (she plays Rocky's tough, drug-struggling mother Rusty) and her motorcycle-gang pals. The biker character Bulldozer, who "doesn't like to talk", was very appealing. Sam Elliott was also quite good as a love interest of Rusty and father figure to Rocky. I enjoyed seeing Rocky interact with this special group of friends, and I grew excited with him when he planned his trip through Europe with another teenage boy. Cher's Rusty just had a strange appeal in the first part of the film; the way she didn't take any "b.s." from the principal of Rocky's school (who tried to condescendingly suggest he go to special school) was admirable and root-for worthy.

However, in the middle of the movie, when Rocky started to develop an interest in girls -- and more specifically when Rusty turned to drinking and drugs -- "Mask" took a turn for the worse. I regret to say that the Rusty character became very boring very fast, and that far too much time was spent on her. That first time I watched it, I couldn't even make it to the end of the film. It literally put me to sleep! BUT ... one day, when I noticed that "Mask" was once again playing on FX, I decided to give it another chance. I tuned in just as Rocky was going off to a camp for blind kids, and, thankfully, discovered that "Mask" lifted itself out of dullness as soon as its main character was the focus again and not his mother. I don't usually think Laura Dern is some genius actress like many seem to, however the romance portrayed between her character Diana and Stoltz' Rocky is very sweet. I especially liked the scene when Rocky taught Diana colors and textures in a camp kitchen, using a hot potato for "red" and some cotton for "billowy." Diana's parents turn out to be the ones who treat Rocky the worst in "Mask", but their discomfort IS admittedly realistic.

If you get bored by the middle, hang in there. All in all, "Mask" is a film worth watching! I haven't seen it in awhile, but I look forward to seeing it again... particularly after becoming acquainted with Jens Lekman's song 'Rocky Dennis's Farewell Song to the Blind Girl', which is an absolutely beautiful love song and a perfect companion to this film.

Fmovies: It is a very spooky feeling to see a film based on someone you knew in real life. I honestly do not know how much artistic liberty was taken with this film as I did not know his family, but I knew Rocky Dennis as a teenager and Eric Stoltz did an absolutely fantastic job of capturing his heart and soul as well as his intelligence. I am grateful that such a remarkable person will be remembered for who he truly was.

This movie is unique. Everybody must see it. It is very sentimental, but it is not exasperated. Great Cher, great Eric Stoltz, great Sam Elliot. This movie makes you laugh, makes you cry, makes you think about the lucky aspects of life and the unlucky ones. One of the most striking aspects is that good feelings are found in an environment that most people think is bad: a young ex-drug addict mother, a group of motorcyclists. I will not tell you what is Mask, I just tell you he is a normal guy except for a difference: find it by your own, you will be satisfied. Surely a good movie.

Mask fmovies. "Mask" is truly a beautiful movie. It shows the possibilities of what courage and love can do. I cannot see the film without crying, but I always feel uplifted after watching it, and the cathartic experience of watching it stays with me for days afterwards. I love how Rocky finds someone at the school for the blind who cannot see his face but loves him for his heart. I suppose we are all looking for that. And the power of his mother's love is something that stays with you forever. Peter Bogdanovich, Cher, Eric Stoltz, and the others who participated in making this film should be very proud of the wonderful movie they created. It has affected many, many lives. The real life story of Rocky Dennis will always be there, on DVD, to enrich young generations to come.

This is one of those movies that makes you feel good. Despite the knowledge of Rocky's inevitable fate, you will like this film. Watching him deal with other kids' initial fear and hatred towards him because of his appearance, he eventually gets them to like and respect him. The best part is that this is based on a true story. You will love it, guaranteed.

*** 1/2 out of ****

This is an excellent film with an excellent story played by an excellent cast! Rocky, a teenager with a horribly disfigured skull tries to fit in. His mother, ably played by Cher, portrays a biker babe who loves her son but little else. Sam Eliot plays her biker boyfriend but also has a soft spot for Rocky. Rocky loves a blind girl, played wonderfully by Laura Dern. All in all, this is a touching, but not overly sappy film! This one is worth a watch.