Masque

I caught a screening of Masque at a film festival recently and was taken back a bit by this film. It is a short, but does not have the feel of short film. It pulls you in like a feature film would with character development, makeup, camera movement and musical score, but is still just only like a half hour long. From all the shorts I have screened in my life, this was unlike any. It seemed like the filmmakers were wishing to raise the bar of a short film.

Without having too many spoilers, Masques tells the story of a prizefighter who is betrayed and left for dead. It tells a unique story of redemption in which even the anti-hero can change his ways. It takes place in the early 20th century and begins with an old-timey boxing match that pulls you in. I was not surprised to read in my festival flyer that Masque had won other festivals. It is refreshingly enjoyable and cinematic addition to the short film genre.

At first glance Masque looks like a typical Western, in which the good guy is bested by the bad guy only to ultimately prevail because right is on his side. However, this short film goes a level deeper—skin deeper and more. Masque puts a unique spin on bad guy Colorado McBride, deftly played by Richard Losee. That the villain; paradoxically the antagonist as well as the protagonist, becomes his own hero lies at the heart of the film, adapted from an 1896 novella by Sir Henry Maximillian Beerbohm.

Embodied by famed character actor Wilford Brimley, the Maskmaker creates symbols of promise, not simply a façade to hide behind. Colorado decides to create his masked alter ego because of the charming Grace, superbly played by Lauren Holley, who nurses him back to health when she finds him left for dead. The new mask creates a shocking contrast in Colorado, a prizefighting henchman whose real face mirrors the ravages of his dark past.

Masque is a film that succeeds in carrying off its message of second chances. It's a refreshing morality tale that offers superb production values. A wide spectrum of audiences will definitely find viewing satisfaction in Masque's ageless appeal.

I saw this film at a Nevada Film Festival. What a truly memorable picture. I enjoyed everything about this film from the acting to the beautiful cinematography and inspiring musical score. Colorado McBride (Richard Losee) finds that he wants to change his roguish life around and win the heart of Grace (Lauren Holly) a widow that lives in the country. Wilford Brimley (one of my favorite actors) plays the mask maker and helps McBride to become a man of adoration. Richard Losee's performance is astounding as he brings to life this heartwarming tale of redemption. This is one of those films that is a must see over and over again.