Unmasking the Mind-Blowing VFX Secrets Behind Mission: Impossible's Iconic Disguise Techniques
Mission: Impossible's mask tricks make a stunning comeback in Dead Reckoning, captivating VFX artists who are in awe of its brilliance
Summary
Mission: Impossible's iconic mask tricks have impressed VFX artists, with hidden cuts and CGI keeping viewers in awe.
Known for its use of masks to conceal characters, the franchise is highly regarded for its unforgettable and convincing reveal scenes. Continuing in this tradition, the latest release, Mission: Impossible - Dead Reckoning Part One, keeps fans eagerly anticipating the surprises in store for Part Two.
Mission: Impossible's mind-boggling mask illusions have left VFX artists in awe. Since its inception in 1996, the Mission: Impossible franchise has revolved around the daring exploits of IMF agent Ethan Hunt (Tom Cruise) and his team. With each passing installment, the series has gained both critical acclaim and commercial success, known for its thrilling action sequences and impressive stunts. Notably, the movies have surprised audiences with characters donning masks to transform into key figures relevant to their missions.
In the latest episode of "VFX Artists React" by Corridor Crew, the team analyzed various mask scenes from the Mission: Impossible series. They deconstructed the meticulously crafted one-shot sequence from Mission: Impossible III, wherein Hunt adopts the appearance of Philip Seymour Hoffman. They dissected the hidden cuts and then delved into a scene from Mission: Impossible II, where the cleverly concealed CGI left them astounded. To witness Corridor Crew's reaction to the mask tricks of Mission: Impossible, watch the video below, specifically from the 0:58 to 5:16 timestamp.
How Mission: Impossible Continues To Use Mask Tricks
Throughout the Mission: Impossible franchise, numerous characters have donned masks. However, the most memorable scenes typically involve dramatic reveals. Despite mixed reception for Mission: Impossible II, one particular moment stands out—the instance in which Hunt removes his mask, transforming from Vladimir Nekhorvich (played by Rade Šerbedžija). Even the Corridor Crew found this reveal to be convincingly executed. As discussed in the aforementioned video, achieving such a realistic effect likely required a significant amount of time and effort, as a physical mask was utilized.
The use of face masks varies across different installments of Mission: Impossible. In the latest entry, Mission: Impossible - Dead Reckoning Part One, this familiar tactic is employed once again. Masks make an appearance, enabling Hunt to successfully infiltrate a high-profile meeting and bypass security by assuming a different identity. Additionally, in a pivotal scene where Cruise's character devises a plan, he and Grace (portrayed by Hayley Atwell) wear masks resembling Zola and Alanna Mitsopolis. Their hope is to acquire the key to stopping the Entity.
In previous movies, there have been numerous instances of characters utilizing face masks, with one notable example being Dougray Scott portraying Hunt in Mission: Impossible II. It is fascinating to observe the gradual evolution of these effects throughout the expanding Mission: Impossible franchise. Given its popularity, one cannot help but speculate if Mission: Impossible - Dead Reckoning Part Two will introduce any further intriguing mask tricks.
