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The Mask

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Release: 1994-07-29

Runtime: 1h 41m (101 minutes)

When timid bank clerk Stanley Ipkiss discovers a magical mask containing the spirit of the Norse god Loki, his entire life changes. While wearing the mask, Ipkiss becomes a supernatural playboy exuding charm and confidence which allows him to catch the eye of local nightclub singer Tina Carlyle. Unfortunately, under the mask's influence, Ipkiss also robs a bank, which angers junior crime lord Dorian Tyrell, whose goons get blamed for the heist.

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Genres: Fantasy, Comedy, Crime, Romance

Cast: Jim Carrey, Cameron Diaz, Peter Greene, more

Storyline

When timid bank clerk Stanley Ipkiss discovers a magical mask containing the spirit of the Norse god Loki, his entire life changes. While wearing the mask, Ipkiss becomes a supernatural playboy exuding charm and confidence which allows him to catch the eye of local nightclub singer Tina Carlyle. Unfortunately, under the mask's influence, Ipkiss also robs a bank, which angers junior crime lord Dorian Tyrell, whose goons get blamed for the heist.

Tagline

From zero to hero.

Specifications

production
US
release
1994-07-29
budget
$23M
revenue
$352M

Genres

Fantasy
Comedy
Crime
Romance

Production Companies

Dark Horse Entertainment
New Line Cinema

Keywords

dual identity
bank
superhero
mockery
transformation
villain
surrealism
based on comic
slapstick comedy
balloon
dog
urban setting
jail cell
wisecrack humor
super villain
norse mythology
supernatural power
the mask

Information on The Mask

The Mask is a 1994 American comedy film that blends elements of superhero storytelling with slapstick humor. Directed by Chuck Russell, the film features a screenplay by Mike Werb and is based on the comic book series of the same name by Mike Richardson, published by Dark Horse Comics.

Starring Jim Carrey as Stanley Ipkiss, the film tells the story of an ordinary bank employee who stumbles upon a magical wooden mask. When he wears this mask, he transforms into a mischievous green-faced trickster with the ability to bend reality to his will. The film also features a notable cast including Cameron Diaz, who makes her film debut, alongside Peter Greene, Peter Riegert, and Amy Yasbeck.

The movie debuted on 29 July 1994, produced by New Line Cinema. With a budget ranging from $18 to $23 million, it grossed over $351 million worldwide, making it one of the highest-grossing films of the year and the most profitable film based on a comic up to that date.

In the film, Stanley Ipkiss is a shy bank teller who is often bullied by those around him. After discovering the mask, he becomes The Mask, a character brimming with confidence and wild antics. This transformation leads to comedic chaos as he takes revenge on those who mistreated him and tries to win the heart of Tina Carlyle, played by Diaz.

The film's unique visual style and special effects were groundbreaking for its time, heavily relying on computer animation managed by Industrial Light & Magic. Carrey’s lively performance and the mask’s surreal effects helped shape the film's comedic tone. The movie also popularized swing music in the 1990s and spawned various merchandise, including an animated series and video games.

Critical reception was generally positive, with the film receiving an approval rating of 80% from critics on Rotten Tomatoes. It was praised for its humor and Carrey's energetic performance. Furthermore, the film earned a nomination for the Academy Award for Best Visual Effects.

In summary, The Mask remains a beloved classic, noted for its innovative blend of comedy, fantasy, and visual effects, and showcases Jim Carrey at the height of his comedic prowess.