Mask is a very moving film, based on a true story about a boy born with a serious condition which caused facial disfigurement, and how it affected his life and the support he had from his friends and family around him.
Eric Stoltz and Cher were perfectly cast in the two leading roles in the film and are a big part of why it remains so powerful, if controversial. Let’s take a look back at this classic drama with some facts about Mask you may not have known.
10. The film was shot in the neighbourhood that the real Rocky was from
Mask was shot in the actual neighbourhood in which Rocky and Rusty used to live. This made the film even more authentic and close to the original people it was based on. Rocky was a big part of the community, and was a familiar face on his street.
His facial disfigurement meant that he was memorable and stood out in a crowd. This led to many residents remembering him long after he had passed away. Unfortunately, that led to some unfortunate encounters with Stoltz and the film crew.
9. One of Rocky’s old neighbours thought Stoltz really was Rocky
When filming in the neighbourhood in which Rocky and Rusty lived, one of their old neighbours saw Stoltz in make-up. He came over saying how pleased he was to see Rocky as he had heard he’d died.
Cher and Stolz went along with it, despite the fact that the real Rocky had in fact died over seven years ago. As Rocky had captured the hearts of his friends and neighbours, the actors didn’t have the heart to tell the neighbour the truth.
8. Cher tried (unsuccessfully) to get then-boyfriend Val Kilmer cast in the film
At the time of filming Mask, Cher was dating Val Kilmer and tried to push for him to be cast in the film as Gar. However, Kilmer was deemed too young for the role and did not get the part. Cher ranked Kilmer in her list of the best lovers, saying ‘when we kissed, I thought my head would shoot right off my body’.
Kilmer was 13 years Cher’s junior, and she is no stranger to dating younger men. The If I Could Turn Back Time singer even had a brief romance with Tom Cruise back in the 80s.
7. This completely changed the look of the film
Ultimately, owing to the constant arguments, Bogdanovich decided to change his usual directorial approach. to do close-up shots of Cher showing the sadness in her eyes and capturing her natural charisma. Rather than his standard long-take style, Bogdanovich would perform close-up shots of Cher, showing the sadness in her eyes and capturing her natural charisma. This only added to the look and charm of the film.
Mask was one of Cher’s earliest films, and she received appraisal for her role. She was known for her emotional portrayals of her characters, as well as her gritty realism. Of course, Cher also enjoyed as successful music career, proving she is no one trick pony.
6. The film is not a completely ‘true’ story
Not only are the dates on Rocky’s headstone incorrect in the film, but he was not actually buried. Instead, his body was donated to science at the UCLA Medical Centre.
Rocky was actually born on 4th December 1961 and passed away on 4th October 1978. There are fewer than 20 cases of people with Rocky’s condition and research into it was vital. Rocky’s body was later cremated.
5. At the film’s wrap party, some people had no idea who Eric Stoltz was without makeup
When he arrived for a post-production party, Stoltz had to bring ID to prove who he was. This was because he was not recognised by the security at the event. Even some of the other cast and crew had to be re-introduced to him without his make-up.
Rocky’s distinctive face was recreated using three layers of latex mask. Stoltz also wore dentures to simulate Rocky’s teeth.
4. The real Rocky’s brother also died tragically
As well as losing Rocky, Rusty had another son Joshua Mason, who was Rocky’s half brother. Sadly, Mason contracted A.I.D.S from a blood transfusion and died due to complications from this. He was just 32 at the time.
He was not mentioned in the film, although he and Rusty were close. His premature death meant that Rusty had to endure the deaths of both of her children.
3. Dern did such a good job that Hollywood casting agents thought she was really blind
The part of Diana was played perfectly by Laura Dern. In fact, she almost wasn’t considered in certain future roles as people thought that she genuinely was a blind actress. Diana is befriended by Rocky, and the pair develop a close relationship.
Unfortunately, after introducing Rocky to her parents, they make it clear they are not supportive of their friendship. Dern received critical acclaim for her role in Mask.
2. The film was made in tribute to the director’s girlfriend after she was killed by an ex
Bogdanovich’s former partner was the late model and actress Dorothy Stratten (who had starred in his earlier film, They All Laughed). The actress was sadly killed in 1980, in a brutal attack perpetrated by her husband. Throughout her life, Stratten felt a strong sense of displacement.
She resonated with other ‘outcasts’ such as Joseph Merrick, otherwise known as The Elephant Man. Bogdanovich felt that Stratten would have recognised Dennis as a kindred spirit, as she often felt like an outsider. Stratten would become greatly distressed when people would stare at her on the streets as though she ‘got ice cream on her dress’.
2. The real Rocky didn’t let his condition hold him back
Despite crippling headaches and a multitude of illnesses, Rocky overcame his struggles. In fact, he was seemingly unaware of the impact of his facial disfigurement as a young child. Apparently, when he was seven years old, he was taken to a hotel by his mother.
In the foyer, he spotted a woman with dwarfism and started to giggle. ‘Now do you understand?’, his mother asked him. ‘Do you understand why people sometimes treat you the way you do?’.
