Chuck Russell’s 1994 supernatural comedy The Mask is based on the ultra-violent character who first appeared in Dark Horse Comics in 1987. In the comics, the magical mask grants the wearer supernatural powers and gives them a green, oversized, mutated head. Skin and teeth like tombstones. The mask also strips the wearer of his inhibitions and morality, turning him into a crazy, invincible clown. The comic book version of The Mask is a violent antihero at best, and he exists in a genre closer to horror than traditional superhero stuff.
Russell’s film was slightly sanded around the edges. The PG-13 film features a meek, weak-willed character named Stanley Ipkiss (Jim Carrey) who, when donning a magic mask, transforms into a confident, flirtatious, and cocky comic book character. . He certainly committed acts of violence (a masked Stanley was particularly cruel to the two mechanics who had framed him), but Stanley ultimately became more confident and outgoing. He learned to be human and even became something of a crime fighter in the end. Only those who are already evil will remain evil under the influence of the mask. “The Mask” was a huge comedy hit, grossing over $350 million on an $18 million budget and propelling Jim Carrey onto Hollywood’s A-list.
However, in the early stages of The Mask’s production, the film seemed to be much closer to the scary atmosphere of the comics. Russell already has experience making horror films, having made A Nightmare on Elm Street 3 in 1987 and a remake of The Blob in 1988, and he is currently working on a more gory version of the film. I was ready to make a mask. For New Line Cinema. In a recent interview with VarietyHowever, Russell stated that the film’s horror and violence were toned down in later drafts because the main character resembled Freddy Krueger too much.
Chuck Russell said, “The mask is too close to Freddy Krueger.”
Russell also said that he had to change the film when he discovered Jim Carrey. Looking back at the beginning of the project, he said:
“I directed A Nightmare on Elm Street 3 and made friends at New Line. Then I made The Blob and New Line wanted another shocking horror movie. There was a comic book called “The Mask,” and it was very frightening.” Jim, who recently appeared in “In Living Color,” said he looked too much like Freddy Krueger and would be terrible.・There is a man named Carrie.
In case you don’t remember, “In Living Color” was a hit sketch comedy series from Keenan Ivory Wayans that debuted on Fox in 1990. Carey was a member of the original ensemble and received much attention and praise. As a comedian, Carey was known for his extreme physicality, contorting his body and face in new and creative ways. With such a rubbery actor, Russell knew he had to change tack with “The Mask.” It would be better to make the most of Carey’s talent. This is how the main character transforms from a cynical and violent murderer to a wild cartoonist. Russell continued:
“This was the only time in my career when it was very difficult to explain to others the potential of this actor. […] He was an inspiration. I completed the script to the point where I brought Jim Carrey to life. ”
The final script, credited to Mike Wirbe, resembled a Tex Avery comic more than A Nightmare on Elm Street. Carrey brought his signature body and facial distortions, and a new type of movie character was born. It was the right decision.
Chuck Russell made ‘The Mask’ in the spirit of indie film
In 1994, Russell was not given a huge budget as Carrey was still relatively unknown and co-star Cameron Diaz was making his screen debut. The only place Russell was allowed to spend was on the film’s extensive digital effects…which Russell didn’t necessarily like. As such, he tried to keep the rest of the film as grounded as possible. He shot all but one scene in real locations. Russell pointed out that:
“I went with the concept of an independent, low-budget film. Everything in ‘The Mask’ is an ordinary location. The only set in the whole movie was a small bedroom. That’s why.” […] That was the fun of independent film and the spirit of a team taking on the world. We’re going to make a movie on a set budget and put all that money into the screen. ”
Russell pointed out that because The Mask was a relatively low-budget production, digital effects company Industrial Light & Magic could only afford to send a “terrible team” to work on the film. But it seems that even the worst teams were able to excel. Russell fondly recalls a visit from some of ILM’s top brass to the set. Everyone seemed impressed. “The Mask” was nominated for an Academy Award for Best Special Effects. Lost to “Forest Gump.”
Russell said his film was so successful that it changed the way Dark Horse comics were drawn. The character on the page is drawn to resemble Jim Carrey even more. But the book was still shockingly violent.
