First Post.

Faceless

“Faceless” is a tale about a man who wears metaphorical masks to change his persona. In the beginning of “Faceless” the main character explains that he has many masks. He says that the masks are the "quick fix for every situation." He has a whole car full of masks that can change his image.

The cinematographer chooses to keep the man’s head mostly out of frame, which in turn actually draws us to it, trying to see if it ever reveals his features. This combined with the masks gives the protagonist, "Jeremiah," his ominous look. He is, in fact, buying drugs at this street corner. The drug dealer does not recognize him until he puts on the mask.

The scene were Jeremiah visits his mother (He has a special mask for it), is framed very uncomfortably, suggesting how uncomfortable he is with his mother, especially after she says she "is proud of him," despite the fact he lies, deals drugs, and, in the next scene, cheats on  his wife. The high color temprature suggests uncomfortableness, again, with his  mother. Its also a very dark scene, again, directional lighting from the window suggesting the scene's dark nature.


The film is cut in very slow, interesting scenes that let the viewer focus on things and ponder upon them. This scene (below) involves a trucking shot, that emphasizes the coming melancholic scene were the innocent worker is laid off despite having "just been promised a promotion" from Jeremiah.

The actors here are seen in many of F.C.Rabbath’s films. Due to their dress, we as an audience know they are middle class, working men. This scene contrasts between the worker and Jeremiah, who is the boss, and is dressed better. As Jeremiah lays off his co-worker and friend, you notice that the worker's dress is more casual, with a more casual print and unbuttoned at the top, to symbolize rank and authority. 

As Jeremiah changes masks, his co-workers expression fades. He realizes something is wrong with Jeremiah's "mask." This scene  has a slight vignette

He reveals he has a wife, yet is cheating with another woman. She is purposely lit more than Jeremiah so that Jeremiah seems darker and more sinister. When his wife tells him she knows about his cheating and his masks, the mask changes from just a metaphor into reality. He then comes to the realization.






The social message of "Faceless" is that we all were metaphorical masks, we lie and change our persona to fit the needs of others. The realization comes, however, that if we are not who we truly are, then who are we?

Jeremiah's true face, without the masks.