When New Line Cinema decided to adapt the Dark Horse comic character into a film about The Mask, they opted for new technology and new actors for this experimental film. Hiring horror film director Charles (Chuck) Russell to give the comedy a darkly disturbing tone, the production team then brought on stars Jim Carrey (known for his part in the sketch comedy series In Loving Color in those days) and Cameron Diaz (a beautiful young model with no acting, dancing, or singing experience).
The Mask: From Hero to Zero
The DVD case on the New Line Platinum Series 2005 edition (updated from the original 1994 release) subtitles The Mask “From Zero To Hero,” a slogan that really doesn’t do justice to this innovative film and its central character, Stanley Ipkiss (Carrey). He’s a timid bank clerk afraid to stand up to his abusive landlady, condescending boss, and selfish co-workers. But as an advice columnist (Amy Yasbeck) points out, and others reaffirm, Stanley is “a nice guy.”
His meek nice-guy status, affection for his dog, and love of children’s cartoons make him sweet and childlike, but hardly a “zero.” These traits also make him a prime target for “The Mask,” a magical, mythological mask that Stanley finds in the river. He soon discovers that whoever wears the mask obtains supernatural abilities that coincide with his or her secret inner desires. For a repressed romantic like Stanley, this makes for an exciting romp around Edge City creating mischief and flirting with club singer Tina Carlyle (Diaz). When Tina’s mobster boyfriend (Peter Greene) steals the mask, however, mischief turns into mayhem.
Despite this outrageous storyline, clever dialogue, vibrant saturated cartoon colors, spectacular special effects, humorous song and dance numbers, and winning performances from Carrey, Diaz, and Max (as Milo the dog) bring this comic character world to full-blown life. Laugh-out-loud funny and at times smoking-hot romantic, The Mask on DVD is greatly enhanced by special bonus features.
DVD Bonus Features on The Mask
The four featurettes are the highlight of this DVD. “Return to Edge City” explores the story, the role of Stanley Ipkiss, the city, and its inhabitants. “Introducing Cameron Diaz” reveals Diaz’s screen test and the story about how the production team found her among hundreds of other candidates. “Cartoon Logic” compares the animation style and content of Tex Avery with the cartoon-inspired creations in the film. “What Makes Fido Run” examines how animal actors are trained, including the dog in The Mask and animals in other films.
In addition to the featurettes, two deleted scenes (an alternate introduction and a death scene) and the theatrical trailer are included on the DVD, plus audio commentaries with most of the production team.
- The Mask (New Line Platinum Series 2005)
- Director: Charles (Chuck) Russell
- Run Time: 97 minutes
- Rating: PG-13 (stylized violence)
- Bonus Features: Deleted Scenes; Return to Edge City Featurette; Introducing Cameron Diaz – Screen Test; Cartoon Logic Featurette; What Makes Fido Run Featurette; Audio Commentaries with Director Charles (Chuck) Russell, Bob Shaye (co-founder of New Line Cinema), Screenwriter Mike Werb, Executive Producer Mike Richardson, Animation Supervisor Tom Bertino, and Cinematographer John Leonetti; Theatrical Trailer.
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