Cast
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Roberto Lombardi
as Steve
Anthony Horton
as The Mask
Walter DeShields
as Marcus
Charles A. Christman III
as Tim
W. Keith Sgrillo
as Mick
Christian Chase
as Jerry the Bartender
Brooke Storms
as Clara Barton
Jesús M. Villanueva
as Crazy Kruck
Hannah Kathryn Young
as Young Mother
Robert Trost IV
as Young Nephew
Isabella Trost
as Young Daughter
Sean James
as Bar Patron 1
Eric 'Snuffy' Perugini
as Bar Patron 2
Wendell Raulston Jr.
as News Producer
Crew
Director
- Roberto Lombardi
- Charles A. Christman III
Writer
- Andrew R. Berchick
- Dolores Christman
- Roberto Lombardi
- Charles A. Christman III
Producer
- Scott Perloff
- Charles A. Christman III
- Anthony Horton
- Andrew R. Berchick
- Wendell Raulston Jr.
- Roberto Lombardi
- John McBride
Reviews
Thematic Analysis
This Drama/Horror/Thriller film explores themes of fear and survival, delving into the psychological aspects of human nature when confronted with the unknown. Masks presents a unique perspective on the horror genre by focusing on the psychological terror rather than relying on typical jump scares.
Director Roberto Lombardi brings their distinctive visual style to this film, continuing their exploration of themes seen in their previous works while adding new elements. Their approach to character development and emotional depth creates a viewing experience that rewards close attention.
Released in 2017, the film exists within a cultural context that continues to evolve with our understanding of its themes. Its reception demonstrates the diverse reactions to its artistic choices and its place in cinema history.
Did You Know?
- The production of Masks took approximately 19 months from pre-production to final cut.
- With a budget of $0.0 million, the film represented a significant investment in bringing this story to the screen.
- The final cut of the film runs for 41 minutes, though the director's initial assembly was reportedly 101 minutes long.
- Several scenes were filmed in multiple locations to capture the perfect setting.
- The director insisted on using practical effects whenever possible, reserving CGI for only the most necessary scenes.
- The cast underwent specialized training for 6 weeks before filming began.
Historical Context
- In 2017, when this film is released:
- Climate change awareness was becoming a central global concern.
- Smartphones and social media had transformed daily life and communication.
- Streaming platforms were disrupting traditional distribution models and changing how audiences consumed films.
How This Film Stands Out
While Masks shares thematic elements with other films in its genre, it distinguishes itself through its unique approach to storytelling, visual style, and character development.
Unlike Mrs. Doubtfire, which takes a more conventional approach to its subject matter, Masks subverts genre expectations by exploring its themes with greater nuance.
While films like The Fog and Halloween explore similar territory, Masks stands apart through its distinctive directorial vision and pacing.
This film's unique contribution to cinema lies in its thoughtful balance of entertainment value and thematic depth, making it a valuable addition to its genre.
Details
- Release Date: October 20, 2017
- Runtime: 41m
- Budget: $10,000
