If you need a dose of "take no crap from anyone", then Mask is the film for you! Cher is splendid alongside Eric Stoltz in the story of a boy with a serious facial deformity navigating his way through life, in spite of his appearance, with the constant albeit unusual support of his single mother. Leave your expected notions of a campy 80's movie at the screen; despite the film's 1985 release date, Mask is a beautiful story of self-love and acceptance with director Peter Bogdanovich able to avoid all classically cheesy 80's film clichés.
The film's tough talking, pull no punches mother Florence 'Rusty' Dennis (Cher) has a son that she is, from a distance, extremely overprotective of. Roy L.'Rocky' Dennis (Eric Stoltz) was born with craniodiaphyseal dysplasia, a sclerotic bone disorder leaving his face badly disfigured. Rocky was able to overcome his disability with a positive disposition and by using his intelligence to his advantage. Using his good sense of humor and positive outlook on life along with his mother's motorcycle companions protecting him, Rocky made friends and was a standout at school for his academic pursuits. Rusty is determined to meet every naysayer with the proof that her son can do anything any other child can do if given the chance; and she will ensure that he is given the chance. Based on a true story of overcoming prejudice and accepting the self, Mask is a beautiful film that would benefit all to see.
I had never before seen a film starring Cher, I didn't even know she had acting credits, so watching her in Mask was an interesting surprise. She mastered her role with such grace. She perfectly executed her characterization of the gruff protective mother in such a believable and endearing way that you couldn't even be mad at her for doing drugs or hiring a hooker for her son. Rusty was the only ally Rocky had that had been there with him from the beginning, making Mask a perfect edition to mother month. The Grandfather of the film reminded me of Jack Nance, and I so wish it was him. Being a big fan of David Lynch I wish he was in more things; although I was pleased to see that Laura Dern had a role. This was a good film to see at this point in my life. Still reeling from my recent breakup, I can see the clear distinction in the change of character from before Rocky became interested in love to after he had been afflicted by love. Maybe the purpose of the movie is that a mother's love is the only love you need; somehow, I doubt that's the message but that's what I'll stick to while I continue to nurse this broken heart.
The film's tough talking, pull no punches mother Florence 'Rusty' Dennis (Cher) has a son that she is, from a distance, extremely overprotective of. Roy L.'Rocky' Dennis (Eric Stoltz) was born with craniodiaphyseal dysplasia, a sclerotic bone disorder leaving his face badly disfigured. Rocky was able to overcome his disability with a positive disposition and by using his intelligence to his advantage. Using his good sense of humor and positive outlook on life along with his mother's motorcycle companions protecting him, Rocky made friends and was a standout at school for his academic pursuits. Rusty is determined to meet every naysayer with the proof that her son can do anything any other child can do if given the chance; and she will ensure that he is given the chance. Based on a true story of overcoming prejudice and accepting the self, Mask is a beautiful film that would benefit all to see.
I had never before seen a film starring Cher, I didn't even know she had acting credits, so watching her in Mask was an interesting surprise. She mastered her role with such grace. She perfectly executed her characterization of the gruff protective mother in such a believable and endearing way that you couldn't even be mad at her for doing drugs or hiring a hooker for her son. Rusty was the only ally Rocky had that had been there with him from the beginning, making Mask a perfect edition to mother month. The Grandfather of the film reminded me of Jack Nance, and I so wish it was him. Being a big fan of David Lynch I wish he was in more things; although I was pleased to see that Laura Dern had a role. This was a good film to see at this point in my life. Still reeling from my recent breakup, I can see the clear distinction in the change of character from before Rocky became interested in love to after he had been afflicted by love. Maybe the purpose of the movie is that a mother's love is the only love you need; somehow, I doubt that's the message but that's what I'll stick to while I continue to nurse this broken heart.