German writer-director Andreas Marschall's 2011 film was designed as an homage to the classic 1970s “giallo” movies of Mario Bava and Dario Argento, particularly the latter's 1977 cult classic Suspiria, which centered on a ballet school that housed a coven of witches. Masks is set at an acting school and eschews any supernatural elements, but does feature a spate of grisly murders staged in the gaudy style typical of the Italian gialli. The plot centers on aspiring actress Stella (Susen Ermich), who comes to the school in hopes of honing her modest talent up to a level that will bring her not just success but recognition as a master of the art. Of course, achieving her aim will require great sacrifice—and lots of spilled blood. The twists in Masks—the title derives from the use of masks in the school's acting exercises—do not make a great deal of sense (which, to be fair, is characteristic of the genre), but even though Marschall's low-budget effort fails to match the ghoulish extravagance of its Italian models, it comes sufficiently close and is likely to appeal to genre aficionados. A strong optional purchase. (F. Swietek)
Masks
Reel Gore Releasing, 109 min., in German w/English subtitles, not rated, Blu-ray/DVD Combo: $39.95 Volume 32, Issue 1
Masks
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