There has been a claim on the forum that Don Post Studios made the mask(s) for the original Halloween. I’m having trouble accepting this theory, and it’s a pretty big divergence from the previously accepted narrative that Tommy Lee Wallace has told for decades. I haven’t heard any compelling evidence for this theory, and it seems to be based around claims Don Post Studios made in a 1999 court battle with Cinema Secrets for the rights to “Michael Myers”; a case in which they not only lost, but presents an obvious bias for this claim. Otherwise, I’ve only seen people try to prove this with the mere opinion that the Hero seems to be made better than the other two masks; which is not very compelling “evidence” if you ask me.
Can anyone present their case for this theory?
I’d like someone to present a case for this theory (supporting evidence, quotes, photos, sources, etc.) because I don’t believe it’s even close to substantiated by any of the evidence we’ve been presented with so far. It’s seemingly becoming accepted as plausible, and if false, will complicate our perception of the mask. I have no reason to doubt Tommy Lee Wallace’s original story, so I ask, can someone present me with why I should?
Evidence Submitted So Far –
1. Don Post says they were consulted to make the original masks.
This was only revealed during one of Don Post’s court cases battling for the rights to the Shape mask against Cinema Secrets in 1999. This can not be stated as evidence, as their intention to secure the rights to a mask they did not own is an apparent and obvious bias.
It is also possible that these people are mistaking their experience from Halloween II for the original. I somewhat doubt that a low budget 1970s slasher flick would have consulted a mask studio, considering a history of low budget slashers using cheap store bought masks (even altering them sometimes). This was merely a trend of the time.
2. The eye cuts are too good to be done without experience, and were probably done by an industry professional from Don Post.
I don’t believe it is difficult to enlarge the eye cuts on a mask. We may feel they are difficult because, in our community, we are trying to replicate the original mask. Replicating eye cuts can be tedious and attention oriented to get the right form and shape, but simply cutting a larger rim around the eyes of a mask is not necessarily difficult.
3. It’s possible that the hero mask’s hair is dark to it’s roots, suggesting different hair than the original Kirk hair was used. A Don Post employee must have used dark hair.
Even if the hair is indeed dark all the way through, that is not sufficient evidence. It is possible that the hair colorant Tommy Lee Wallace may have used could seep through the hair and set more thoroughly on the mask seen today. It is heavily suggested through the behind the scenes photos that the hair was not consistent on the original mask, and reveals a lighter color underneath (as if it was misted over the top and styled). I might also mention the old theory, that the hair was removed and semi-dyed when the mask was “converted”, as a possible explanation, though i don’t subscribe to it personally.
4. The mask may be thicker than most Kirk’s, suggesting it was specially made by Don Post.
The owner of the hero mask recently stated that the mask seems thicker than most replicas are. I would suggest that there is no standard thickness for original Kirk masks. When you cast masks, they are going to have a little variation throughout the production of them. Latex also stiffens and hardens as it ages, appearing thicker and more durable than in it’s original flexible and flaccid state.
5. A flexible mask paint was probably used on the mask
Numerous members (including myself) have had a lot of luck with spray paint. There is a tendency to think the paint will crack or flake, but we know the mask did have paint flaking off between H1 and H2. It is totally plausible that the movie mask was spray painted, and does not demand a flexible mask paint that some think is necessary.
I’m going to keep this photo attached to this thread so we remember what Don Post Studios has concocted when asked to make a Shape mask in the early 80s. The results are, needless to say, strange and dissatisfying.
