The novelty of the blank drama mask has been around since the early seventeenth century with the creation of the Phantom in The Opera black and white mask. Though many have come to believe that a ‘blank drama mask’ is white, this is a gross misconception. This type of acting theater prop is one that delivers a face with a blank, standard or fixed and what some like to call at times a truly enigmatic expression. However acting has come a far distance from the days of the Phantom, but the more things have changed from the adornment of Greek drama masks the more they have remained the same.
In the 1960’s when horror began to take hold many directors and playwrights had studied the perception of the phantom and the eerie chill that the blank stare delivered. The first manifestation took place with Norman Bates in Psycho. He had a blank look and stare, devoid of emotion and movement at times with the exception of the eyes. While directors lauded Alfred Hitchcock he still did not create the perfect Phantom, there still was no blank drama mask. Despite the movie went on to win four academy awards.
Then in 1978 a young writer and director John Carpenter delivered the franchise that has lasted 30 years. parties and the tale of Michael Myers. Using a real blank white drama mask Carpenter was able to create the eerie and chilling feeling once delivered by the Phantom of the Opera and partly by Norman Bates. However there was no guessing of emotion here, whether the character was hurt, dying or killing, he showed no mood or emotional mindset whatsoever. This made the character even scarier.
It was now official that movie goers and fans were enthralled by the blank drama mask. Following the success of parties others started to capitalize on the new phenomenon and in 1980 the movie Friday the 13th premiered and was another raving success. The blank mask worn by Jason created a thrilling new tale of another emotionless creature that could not be killed by stabs, bullets or even blowing him up. And during all this abuse Jason remained emotionless.
Despite these chilling tales, the blank drama mask has been used to symbolize a ‘we all are one’ message. This means despite race, color or creed we are all members of the human race. Often times in photographs and documentaries people adorn the headpieces to give themselves total anonymity to signify that they are just ordinary people like everyone else. A brilliant concept that utilizes the mask to not only hide emotion but to hide identity.
All in all we like the uses of comedy tragedy drama masks above the use of the blank. This gives emotion that defies the obvious. Like in the movie Scream where the ghoul had a smile while killing people. We have a lot of these props available in our endorsed costume store. | 