Archeology of the mask in the history of cinema

This chapter explores the evolution and significance of the mask in cinema, examining its dual role as both a concealer and revealer of identity. From early serials like Fantômas , where masks serve as iconic devices of mystery and allure, to the psychological and sociocultural implications in postmodern films, masks become more than simple props. The chapter delves into how these masks embody archetypes, duality, and even identity dissolution, reflecting broader themes of alienation and anonymity in society. It discusses how, in contemporary cinema, technological advancements, including digital masking and facial reanimation, add new dimensions to the role of the mask, positioning it as a prism through which each era&s;s anxieties and desires are refracted. The chapter argues that cinema&s;s engagement with the mask reveals profound insights into the human experience and the shifting boundaries between identity and otherness.