Evil Mask
Evil Mask
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Horror movies and the use of masks to frighten or shock us,
Many horror movies have villains wearing masks. Icons and franchises ( and many nightmares ) have been built upon these images. What is it about a killer wearing a mask that frightens us ? A mask can be a very effective method of scaring the audience. whether silent and stalking or deranged and psychotic . Is not being able to see the killer's true identity or emotions strikes a fearful chord in many? Is it because a mask somehow detaches the killer? Leaves them void of emotions or in some cases, allows the killer to act out all the psychotic fantasies.
There is a strange mentality among people that makes them want to know exactly what they are facing. A mask takes that ability away. In many cases, a horror movie mask makes it impossible to tell if the attacker is someone known, or a complete stranger. It sets up for a mystery that drags the viewer deeper into the horror film to see if they are able to find out who, or what, is behind the mask.
So many movies have tried to use this method of having their killer's wearing masks. Some have gone on to become well known icons and staples of Halloween costumes , while others have been forgotten.
I think the most frightening and well known mask in horror is the one made of an actual human's face and worn by Leatherface in Tobe Hooper's Texas Chainsaw Massacre. A deranged lunatic wielding a chainsaw is horrific enough, but top that with his human masks . Leatherface not only wore his masks, he changed personalities along with them. His childlike insanity made his appearance more terrifying
Michael Myers- who knew that a dime store William Shatner mask worn by a silent walking killer would terrorize many a Halloween for years to come ? In the original Halloween , John Carpenter took us behind the mask, We saw through the mask eyeholes ad heard the heavy breathing under the mask, Then we saw an emotionless Michael Myers on his never ending mission to slowly stalk and kill the family bloodline and all who get in his way.
Jason Voorhes - Whether wearing a sack over his head or sporting a hockey mask to cover his deformities, Jason is a non-stop killing machine. Stalking the woods of Camp Crystal lake , Manhattan, and yes even space. Jason's mask is simple and effective.
Hannibal Lecture in Silence of the Lambs. A prime example of how a mouth guard and dolly took serial killer psychiatrist Dr Lecter from an educated, refined, and dare I say charming ? to Hannibal "The Cannibal" faster than you could say ‘fava beans'
and may I add his ingenious use of the skinned face of one of his victims , to make his escape from his temporary jail cell.
The Strangers, Sure some say the movie sucked. But silent killers wearing some pretty awesome and creepy masks, while home invading and murdering for no apparent reason except to enjoy watching their victims in terror ? that alone deserves a place on this list.
Ghostface in Scream- Many killers wore this in the Scream movies, apparently not to frighten, but to keep us guessing at the identity of the killer(s).One of the most non-scary masks, but also one the most well known.
Farmer Vincent in Motel Hell- okay, he didnt wear his Pig Head during the whole movie, but seeing him wearing that thing on his head wielding a chainsaw ? its worth a mention.
Tourist Trap. A low budget clone of Leatherface. But throw in Chuck Connors weird voice while playing his alter ego and mannequins that move ? pretty creepy
And Behind the Mask - the rise of Leslie Vernon ?? A tale of a psycho-serial killer, giving a documentary crew exclusive access to his life and the differences of the man with and without the mask.
And one I almost forgot- Dr Decker with his zipper head mask from Nightbreed. A deranged psychatrist who becomes the most evil killer of all once he puts on his mask.
The Hills Run Red- A late addition to my list...Babyface The star of an infamous movie within the movie that supposedly was too gruesome too watch... This bulky man-child wearing a baby doll face and a necklace of baby rattles is genuinely creepy . Not to mention the opening scene of the boy cutting his own face .
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