The Mask (1961)

REVIEW:
Just seven years after Aldous Huxley published The Doors of Perception (1954) and five after Heaven and Hell (1956), The Mask delves into similar themes of exploring other, possibly deeper states of consciousness than any of which psychology has been aware.

For better or for worse, the thin plot serves only as an excuse for this delving. A psychiatrist, Barnes, comes into possession of an ancient "Indian" mask--"Indian" referring to mesoamerican aboriginal cultures, in this case. It just so happens this mask has mysterious powers, which include psychedelic hallucinations and strong addiction--oh yes, and a propensity for murder.

While Barnes is convinced the mask can teach him "of man's most secret mind, of a world that exists even deeper than the subconscious," his friends and an obligatory homicide detective are becoming increasingly worried and suspicious, respectively.

What makes this film stand out is the genuinely amazing hallucination sequences. One is treated to an utterly surreal barrage of tribal-infused Gothic imagery, sometimes coming faster than one can compute: dozens of hands are seen reaching, grabbing from beneath a river; a flaming eye crashes from the sky and becomes a flame-throwing, skull-headed beast; a giant skull floats above a strange temple, where a woman is reclining upon an altar. What can it all mean?

Not only is The Mask Canada's first horror film, it also happens to be Canada's only 3D film. All of the psychedelic mask sequences are arranged in 3D, to give the viewer the same experience Barnes is receiving from the mask. No fan of 3D films myself, it is here handled competently and, while the imagery would be effective even without the 3D, it is neither intrusive nor detracting.

(For the original theatrical release of this picture, the 3D glasses were attached to a wearable mask. Whenever one would hear the Voice in the film tell Barnes, "Put on the mask," the audience knew to do likewise with their own masks.)

Regardless of whether its hallucinations mean anything or not, this film offers a tripping experience. I can guarantee you've not seen anything like it.

FACTS:
Director: Julian Roffman
Starring: Paul Stevens, Claudette Nevins
1961
77 min.

WHERE TO GET IT:
Long out of print, it has just recently been released on DVD by Cheezy Flicks. It can be found on Amazon.ca for a decent price. It comes with 3D glasses.

TIDBIT:
The poster of The Mask supplies the cover of Re/Search #10: Incredibly Strange Films.
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