Common Sense Media Review
Moving, mature story of teen with facial differences.
Parents Need to Know
Why Age 14+?
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Mask
What's the Story?
MASK is based on the true story of Rocky Dennis (Eric Stoltz), a teenager with a genetic condition -- craniodiaphseal dysplasia -- that resulted in his face looking like a huge "mask" of bone. Rocky's mom, Rusty (Cher), is a wild, tough woman who constantly fights for her son's right to lead a mainstream life. When a new doctor tells Rocky that he's got just a few months to live, both mom and son refuse to listen, since Rocky has outlived earlier diagnoses. When Rocky becomes a counselor's aide at a summer camp for the blind, he meets Diana (Laura Dern). Romance blossoms, but Diana's parents disapprove. Back at home, Rocky battles with his mom about her alcohol and drug use, and driving out her boyfriend Gar (Sam Elliott).
Is It Any Good?
This isn't a typical "disease of the week" movie about someone triumphing over adversity; it's a far more complex and moving story about two people who love and care for and about each other. Though in other aspects of her life Rusty is completely irresponsible, even dissolute, with Rocky she is the ideal of maternal strength and commitment. And Rocky is a source of strength for her, too, acting almost as her parent.
Mask has several exceptionally touching moments, and it shows us over and over again that it is not about an "abnormal" boy in a normal world, but about a real boy in a world where everyone is different. As he says, "I look weird, but otherwise I'm real normal." Rocky has some interesting ways of coping with his problems. He has his version of Pollyanna's "Glad Game," using happy memories to help him through hard times. And his mother, who herself uses drugs, helps him manage his headaches without drugs by "talking them away."
Talk to Your Kids About ...
Families can talk about the way Rocky handles the fact that he is physically different from others. What other movies have you seen about outsiders and people with differences and disabilities? Do you think Mask is a fresh, effective take on this topic?
How do Rocky and Rusty take care of each other? Give some examples. Why is Rusty better at taking care of Rocky than she is at taking care of herself?
Movie Details
- In theaters : March 8, 1985
- On DVD or streaming : September 7, 2004
- Cast : Cher , Eric Stoltz , Sam Elliott
- Director : Peter Bogdanovich
- Inclusion Information : Female Movie Actor(s) , Middle Eastern/North African Movie Actor(s)
- Studio : Universal Pictures
- Genre : Drama
- Topics : Friendship , School ( High School )
- Run time : 120 minutes
- MPAA rating :
- Last updated : October 1, 2025
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