disguise makeups: mask tricks from before 1980

Mask tricks: before 1980

The use of masks for disguise almost invariably involves trickery: but then the moving image itself is a mere trick of the eye. Done well the mask trick can be very effective. Usually, the actress is never disguised at all but the putting on or taking off of a mask hides a cut between actresses (the usual Mission Impossible trick). Occasionally, the actress is disguised with prosthetic makeup but is seen apparently removing a pull-off mask (eg the pilot of F/X: the Series) or a discarded mask is found (eg Penelope).

These movies illustrate the various forms of the mask trick: but don’t forget to visit the Mission Impossible section for some clasic examples.

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