Mask - Director's Cut [DVD]

[Minor Spoilers] At first glance, this doesn't seem to be a film that would radiate heartwarming and life-affirming qualities, but the Oscar-winning "Mask" (1985) actually improves with each viewing, as only the very best movies do. Hollywood embellishments and minor changes were, indeed, made to this true story (which has seemingly become more of a formality these days with most movies based on true stories), but anything lost in translation from true life to film is reclaimed by this film's yield as such an everlasting cinematic treasure. And the foundation of my claim here is Cher's delivery of what should be considered the best performance in movie history by a female without an Oscar nomination (and even one of the best in general), surely the snub of the century (what a cinematic travesty). Another testament to Cher's truly remarkable performance is her manner of elevating her character to such a level that she almost steals the movie from the central character, by no means an easy task. In "Mask," Cher plays Florence "Rusty" Dennis, the biker mother of young Roy "Rocky" Dennis, the also outstanding but sometimes forgotten Eric Stoltz ("Fast Times at Ridgemont High," "Some Kind of Wonderful," "Pulp Fiction"), though only because of heavy makeup and a facial prosthetic worn throughout the film (which won a special Oscar), who develops an extremely rare, disfiguring, and potentially fatal bone disease that causes calcium to build up in his skull. In fact, doctors gave him little chance for survival, since most patients with the disease rarely survive beyond childhood. Just the same, however, Rusty remains steadfast in seeing to it that Rocky has as normal a life as possible, even though that usually involves exceptional love, fittingly punctuated in an opening scene in which Rusty tells Rocky's junior high school principal, "Mr. Simms" (Ben Piazza), that it's a public school, not a "special" one, that fits Rocky's needs. And as Rusty exits the room in a huff because of Mr. Simms' reluctance to want to enroll her son, Rocky so naturally complements the unique bond he has with his Mom by saying, "Don't worry, Mr. Simms. I look weird, but otherwise I'm real normal." Sam Elliott, similarly overlooked by the Oscars, as Rusty's on-again-off-again boyfriend Gar (and Rocky's father figure for his absent biological father), also turns in his career-best performance, a mighty weighty statement considering his plethora of career roles, mostly westerns. But in "Mask," Elliott shows just enough of a tender side (i.e., always acknowledging Rocky's needs; helping Rusty write an I-miss-you letter to Rocky when he's away at camp because she's just too emotional to do so; telling Rocky the story of when his Mom took him to get his picture taken and how proud and beautiful she was on that particular day; and Gar just being there for the both of them when they needed him most, etc.) while simultaneously and convincingly displaying every ounce of his character's machismo. The film is diligently directed by Peter Bogdanovich ("The Last Picture Show"), and Bogdanovich fought (with surprising difficulty) to keep the film's original music, mostly Bruce Springsteen (with some Lynyrd Skynyrd and Steely Stan), when the studio wanted to go with the less expensive Bob Seger in the 11th hour, with Seger's music ultimately contained in the theatrical release and initial DVD release. The real-life Rusty, who passed away in 2006, always had agreed with Bogdanovich regarding the music, reportedly saying that Rocky didn't even know who Bob Seger was. But, thankfully, the original music was finally restored for the DVD Director's Cut (which also contains two additional, though not necessarily essential, scenes not in the original cut: Rusty and Rocky singing a mother-son duet around a campfire with their friends and a separate funeral scene). The supporting cast is equally strong, including a young Laura Dern as Diana, Rocky's love interest, and Dennis Burkley as Dozer, their mostly mute family friend, as well as the rest of Rocky's surrogate biker family. It doesn't take long for the viewer to realize that not only is Rocky loved but that he's just like one of us, someone with hopes and dreams (we even see Rocky's world-map tacks strategically pinned on his bedroom wall, denoting his dream destinations). We also see that his Mom's unwavering love has become instilled in Rocky when he, in turn, worries about Rusty's drug problems and sometimes reckless lifestyle, as well as covering up for his Mom's behavior when her parents arrive (the smartly cast Estelle Getty of "The Golden Girls" and Richard Dysart), essentially becoming the parent himself in these scenes. But, as intended, it's Rocky's extraordinary trials and tribulations that bring the sweetest fulfillment, in countless scenes, but especially in the school-awards ceremony, one of the most unforgettably moving moments you'll ever see on film, and Dozer's proud and poignant moment with Rocky outside the school afterwards. And, of course, the film's enduring message is that we're all the same on the inside, no matter what we look like on the outside and no matter who we call our family, for ultimately it is our hearts for which we will be judged. [Note: Although snubbed at the Oscars, Cher did get the smaller consolation of being nominated by the Golden Globes for Best Actress in "Mask" and would, indeed, get the last laugh, with her performance in "Mask" winning her Best Actress at the Cannes Film Festival, considered by some to be even more prestigious than the Oscars, since Cannes is international, not just national. And, as a kind of apology for the "Mask" snub, the Academy Awards would eventually award Cher with an Oscar for Best Actress, although it was for the less memorable "Moonstruck" in 1987.]

Received movie in a timely manner. Love anything with Cher in it. Haven't seen yet ,but I'm sure it'll be a good movie!!!

One of the best movies of all time. This movie has so many highs and so many lows. It really is a story about the human spirit and it’s sad that it’s not available digitally because a lot of the newer generations are missing out on this wonderful movie. Cher gives it truly amazing performance in this beautiful story. I highly recommend this movie.

Good movie

Great movie, So much better than on tv. Enjoying to watch it again soon.

One would have thought that after her performance in "Silkwood" Cher would have received her props in Hollywood. The Academy would later make up for overlooking her in this film by presenting her the Best Actress Oscar for "Moonstruck." But it is in "Mask," where Cher proves her acting mettle. Cher acts and even looks the part of Rusty, the mother of a severely disfigure child; but that is almost a side note. What gives the film its ability to relate to its audience is the tension between this beleaguered woman and her on-again/off- again boyfriend Gar (Sam Elliot, delivering a subtly cool performance); and Rusty and her staunchly old-fashioned parents. Cher takes advantage of the opportunities to flaunt her acting chops without being over the top. It is here where she proves that she can more than hold her own against any of Hollywood's so-called A-list actresses. Eric Stolz plays Rocky Dennis (upon whom the story was based), and the chemistry between he and his older co-star is unmistakable. Their relationship comes off as real, without any of the parents vs. teenager cliches. Both Rocky and Rusty feel things deeply and it is that trait that binds them. Rusty is a single mother struggling with drug addiction, but never lets it get in the way of loving her child. Interesting contrast between Rocky's world and the world of the "typical teen," so much so that you don't put Rocky nor feel a need to root for him, but you enjoy him. You know that his puppy love will not end happily, but you know that Rocky will weather the storm. Moreover, her biker friends serve as an extended family to Rocky, who is played by Stolz as a kid who is all heart, and who sees himself not as one desperate to fit in, but who waits for the rest of the world to catch up to him. Wonderful performances by the actors who make up the biker gang of which Gar is a part of. They are men of depth and compassion as they embrace Rocky as one of their own. The climax delivers one of the more emotionally charged scenes you'll ever see--comparable to "Beaches" and "Imitation Of Life." It is heart-wrenching without being sappy, showing the depth of a mother;'s love for her offspring. This is definitely one of my all-time favorite films and a must-see for those who love films that have the power to pluck an emotional chord. Good date flick because it has what it takes to touch men and women equally deeply without beating you over the head with sentimentalism. Cher and Stolz keep it real.

Great film seen it a bk in day that's why I got it i was looking for it all over

Un bellissimo film di un regista, Bogdanovich, che deve molto al cinema classico americano e ha imparato da grandi autori come Lubitsch a mostrare la diversità come una risorsa, come metafora dell'autenticità di tutti noi. Un inno alla diversità, quella dolorosa e sofferta, ma soprattutto quella allegra di chi sa vedere la parte di vita che ha, non quella che gli manca. Un film che in questo senso è anche una lezione di vita. Indimenticabile la scena in cui Rocky fa capire alla ragazza cieca di cui è innamorato cosa sono i colori.

Un film magistrat avec un excellent casting

The movie is excellent with a great cast. Actress Cher is good as Rusty, a mother who is there for her son even though she did drugs. Actor Eric Stoltz is terrific as Rocky Dennis, a young boy whose face is disfigured. I cried when Rocky was teased at school, when he met Diana at summer camp and her parents were very cruel that their daughter should not date Rocky. I cried when Rocky passed away and people can be very cruel when it comes to people who may look different. I haven't seen the movie in a very long time and the acting is fantastic. REST IN POWER to the following actors and actresses: Mr. Roy Lee 'Rocky' Dennis (December 4, 1961-October 4, 1978); Mr. Dennis Henry Burkley (September 10, 1945-July 14, 2013); Ms. Estelle Getty (nee Gettleman) (July 25, 1923-July 22, 2008); Ms. Micole Diana Mercurio) (March 10, 1938-January 19, 2016); Mr. Richard Allen Dysart (March 30, 1929-April 5, 2015); Mr. Harry George 'Henry' Carey, Jr. (May 16, 1921-December 27, 2012); Mr. Ben Piazza (July 30, 1933-September 7, 1991); Mr. Steve James (February 19, 1952-December 18, 1993); Mr. Ivan J. Rado (June 15, 1931-June 27, 2018); Mr. Louis Waldon (December 16, 1934-December 6, 2013): 'You all may be gone but you will never, ever be, forgotten.'

Disc played on multi regional player.