Hey gang, thought I’d go ahead and make a thread about a recent theory I’ve come up with after talking with Kaizu about the alternate mask which is widely believed to had been a DP Emmet Kelly.
I disagree, and feel the mask was actually based on Lou Jacobs. As we all know, Tommy Lee Wallace and Debra Hill eventually selected two masks for Michael Myers to wear in the original Halloween. One obviously being the Kirk, the other a clown of some sort. Tommy Lee Wallace has spoken many times on what he remembered as far as details/features go on this mysterious clown mask.
He’s stated that he remembered the mask being reminiscent of either Emmet Kelly or Lou Jacobs. Being that there was already a popular mask made available by Don Post Studios during the time in 1978, the 1967 Emmet Kelly has become a widely accepted option. It could have very well have been readily available in many costume shops at the time. However, when TLW goes into further detail of what he remembers, a few key elements stick out to me. From the multiple quotes I’ve heard/read, he remembers the mask having these details:
He has said several times he remembered the mask having a red nose (which is a given) and a blue smile. Of course, he’s been known to also say the mask may have had a frown, and also could have been red, but as far as consistency goes, the blue smile has always stuck out.
It was also said that the mask, at one point, had a large cigar hanging out of the mouth and was removed by the crew. We all know the Emmet Kelly does not have a cigar, and even if it did, a latex mask would look awfully odd with a large hole cut into it where a cigar would have been. This makes me think that perhaps the mask was not latex, but rather PLASTIC…
Here is where my theory comes into play. After the three main details I’ve constantly heard surrounding the mystery clown mask (Lou Jacobs, Blue smile, Cigar removed)…this leads me to believe that the alternative clown mask was not disposed or returned when the crew ultimately chose the Kirk as the main mask for the film, but it was worn by Will Sandin as Michael Myers age 6.
First, the mask is OBVIOUSLY in the resemblance of Lou Jacobs. Almost to a tee. Notice that the design in the paint is nearly identical. Especially the blue smile…
Second, we are all familiar with the odd notch that occurs in the mask, right below the cheeks in the general mouth area. Almost as if the mask was cut or slit right at the edges of the lips, pushed upwards, then reattached. Why would this be necessary? It’s an odd detail to be in the mask originally. My personal opinion is that the plastic mask originally had a cigar in the mouth, but it was removed and repaired. Or perhaps it was a movie-jaw type of mask with elastic. Who knows??
Lastly, I feel that the mask is actually quite large for a small child’s face. Which leads me to believe that the mask is actually more teen/adult sized. Looking at the first photo above of young Myers, the mask swallows his face. It looks as though there is a large amount of space between the chin of the mask and Sandin’s actual chin.
All that being said, I think it’s VERY possible that the alternate mask was, indeed, a mysterious plastic Lou Jacobs mask that was altered and then used for the opening scene featuring a young Michael Myers. While I cannot say for certain, I still strongly disagree that an Emmet Kelly mask was used. When you stop to think about it, I think all of my points seem to make sense and are plausible. The film was clearly made on a budget and purchasing two masks only to dispose of the alternative seems a bit foolish. I feel that the crew would have definitely put it to use somehow, even if it were only as a prop in the background…or in this case, AS the mask seen during the opening sequence.
Your thoughts?
