Long before MCU and DC dominated the box office with their spandex-clad heroes, The Mask was one movie that didn’t need any capes because having Jim Carrey was enough. The 1994 film is full of cartoonish chaos and gags that made people laugh every minute.
Carrey’s performance was so electric that it could power up a whole city, and it is remembered even now, 21 years later. No superhero has matched him since then, but what makes The Mask special? Let’s dive in!
The Mask’s box office domination
When The Mask hit the theatres in 1994, it wasn’t just another summer flick but a box office juggernaut as people were flocking in to see the movie for weeks. Unlike today’s movies, which reach their peak within a week or two, the Jim Carrey starrer kept audiences coming back, thanks to its word-of-mouth buzz and the actor’s star power.
It had a budget of $18 million and made almost 20 times more with its worldwide gross of $351 million (via The Numbers). The film proved that superhero movies could be funny and extremely profitable without relying on big names like DC or Marvel.
Beyond the numbers, The Mask left a cultural footprint, it revived people’s interest in swing music and big band jazz, two genres that were being recognized again in the 90s. Moreover, it launched Cameron Diaz’s career and established Jim Carrey as the king of physical comedy in Hollywood.
Jim Carrey’s unforgettable performance in The Mask
Jim Carrey didn’t just play Stanley Ipkiss, he became him! Whenever Stanley transformed into The Mask, Carrey unleashed a performance so unhinged and hilarious that it redefined what comedy could be on screen. His physicality and the way he moved alone were commendable! Carrey would stretch his face like rubber, spin like a tornado, and deliver slapstick gags with ease.
According to WatchMojo, in the scene with Milo, where he’s trying to escape from prison, Carrey improvised his reactions, and the bit with the balloon where he goes, “Sorry, wrong pocket,” was also made up on the spot. However, the actor’s genius wasn’t just in his goofiness but also in the contrast.
He nailed Stanley’s character, who was awkward and endearing, with the same ease that he nailed The Mask’s persona. His rapid shifts between the two left the audience in stitches, and many scenes are considered to be legendary even to this day. It was truly Carrey who elevated the film because no other actor could have made a green-faced, yellow-suited lunatic this iconic!
You can watch The Mask on Apple TV+.
This post belongs to FandomWire and first appeared on FandomWire
