MovieChat Forums > The Mask (1994) Discussion > The mask demasks Ipkiss' mask

The mask demasks Ipkiss' mask

posted 7 years ago by halken_no1
2 replies | jump to latest

When Dr. Arthur Neuman is speaking on the TV as Ipkiss is watching, he talks about his theory of social masks and that everyone builds one to conform to established societal rules.

The Ipkiss we see before he gets the mask is exactly what Neuman describes: a people-pleasing push over who aims to appease anyone and everyone before appeasing himself. Sacrificing everything of value from himself and placing it all for other people.

The Mask destabilizes his existence by taking the direct opposite of Ipkiss' mask. Radical, rule-breaking, risk-taking and all unflinching with decision and desire. The Mask is fearless.

After each scenario with the mask on, Ipkiss develops a strong character that helps to facilitate, express and control his own personality in the real world. Therefor, establishing a new-found self-esteem to become the person he wishes everyone could see without any fear.

This is what I got from the movie.

[–] WhoopsieThree-D 7 years ago

I got that from it, too. Your analogy sums it up perfectly. I like that.

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Logan, buddy. It's me, Deadpool! I shot youuuuuu....

[–] curlymst3000 7 years ago

That was great to read! It really shows there's so much more to this movie than just the comedy, which is fantastic, of course. I think your analysis also resonates with me because I've been exactly the kind of people-pleasing, sacrificing, self-loathing beta male that Ipkiss starts out as for a big chunk of my life. That mask has come off slowly.