The plot of the film is full of thrilling and exciting elements, and the behind-the-scenes creation is also very adventurous. Jim Carrey was just a TV actor at the time and had yet to prove himself on the big screen, and actress Cameron Diaz was also a fledgling. Its big box-office sales after its release proved the creator's eye for casting. The film is based on the best-selling comic book, but it boldly ditched many of the comic's plot and made a filmic adaptation just right.
Jim Carrey plays Stanley, an honest bank clerk who accidentally picks up a medieval mask and turns into a superhero. But this hero is not a traditional figure, he is domineering, he robs banks and picks up girls, and his pranks are revamped. Because of the appearance of the beautiful Cameron Diaz, he inadvertently intervened in a gangster's conspiracy, the mask was stolen and he was imprisoned. Finally, with the help of the most loyal puppy, he completed a heroic rescue of beauty.
This is a typical Hollywood commercial film, but a lot of fresh elements have been added to the conventional narrative mode, which not only creates a visual feast, but also allows the audience to experience a comedy carnival and classical romance. Hollywood has always been known around the world for a mature genre film model, and this film shows a high degree of fusion of genres. It is generally a comedy, but retains and weakens the horror atmosphere of the original comics, adds elements of the cop/action genre, and has many creative singing and dancing scenes, and finally it is also a touching romance. In terms of visual language, the film uses fast shots, exaggerated computer effects and animation design to show the magic of the mask, but the scenery and lighting are low-key and nostalgic.
The "3B" principles often used in advertising creative are also borrowed from this film. The so-called "3B" refers to Beauty, Beast and Baby, that is, graceful beauties, lovely animals and babies. Cameron Diaz, who just debuted, has an eye-catching look, and that hot dance is especially intoxicating; Stanley's baby puppy is also an absolutely dazzling supporting role in the movie, not only naughty and cute, but also extremely smart; although there is no "baby" , but Jim Carrey's performance is definitely the magic weapon of the film. The film seems to be tailor-made for his exaggerated body language and facial expressions, and Jim Carrey plays with his nonsense and comedic style in the dance with the police sequence. Many of his comedy ideas were later used for reference by Stephen Chow, who also followed suit with "The Variety Star", which was also enthusiastically sought after by fans.
This mask in the film is both the main element that drives the plot and contains many meaningful symbolisms. People in reality face each other with their true faces, and they often wear masks of personality and tell insincere lies; but when Stanley put on that magical mask, it inspired the most secret and original personality in his heart. It has also begun to trample and overrun various social norms that bind people. Masks also represent rights, and rights can be used to deliver justice, but they are also vulnerable to abuse and disorientation. At the end of the film, Stanley lost his mask and kissed his beautiful lover at the bridge. At this time, the beauty is intoxicating and the beautiful woman is hugging. Compared with power and ambition, honesty, kindness and true love are still the most touching magic.
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