Do You Find Masks Creepy?

[HGohwell]

Specifically, the full facial masks.

Now, for the context you don't actually need, the start of my next project features a scene of several characters in the full facial masks. Things like these:

And when getting some feedback, I was told basically "that's way too creepy to start on, I'd click away and never come back". And I went "wait really?" and so I put it to the forum. For the record, I'm not particularly planning on changing on my opening unless there's some kind of overwhelming response here that yeah they're way too creepy and even then, I think that just sets the tone anyway, right?

But anyway, the point is, do people generally find them creepy? Or really creepy? Or is it just a one person thing?

[WillowTree]

I LOVE masks!! I used to have some hanging on my bedroom wall back when I was theater kid in high school! The more intricate design, the better

[nathanKmcwilliams]

Not just a standard mask like the ones above, but it depends on what's adorning it.

[skicoak]

Think it really depends on the context.

Masks gain an additional menace when they're out of place... Like one person wearing one in a crowd.

Or...

When the actions or words of the wearer don't align with the expectations of the mask.

My two cents...adjusted for inflation.

[Phantomlight]

I am a bit creeped out xD But perhaps that also has to do with my experience with Legend of Zelda: Majora's Mask game when I was a kid. I have an appreciation for masks, I love their designs even if some do creep me out. I think perhaps what's more creepy with the provided example is that no one is wearing them. They may have a different feel when they are worn. Also the the setting where the masks are used (Like @skicoak mentions, if they're out of place, it is a bit more creepy) and the kind of design make a difference if some people find masks creepy. I think it's a similar affect as dolls give me at times (at least with these masks in particular) because these give me that uncanny feel because they look human-like.

[Phantomlight]

Now I'm picturing that and I think it'd make for a wonderful scary/horror comic, movie, or novel.

[Rhonder]

I think they're a little creepy, but not overbearingly so. Especially the type like this that are not only full faced, but made to look like... an uncanny valley regular face xD A full facial mask of something else that's not an uncanny valley human is less unsettling. Re: context matters though- in a setting where masks are expected and the norm, such as a masquerade or a halloween party (or a bank robbery, ski mask lifeeee) then it's not that unsettling. Even in the bank robbery when only the robbers are masked, it's still within the margin of acceptable bank-wear

In a scenario where masks aren't expected, and also depending on how the camera and lighting highlights or tries to draw attention away from them... shudder.

[TheGentleArtist]

I find masks to be pretty neat since they can have different designs and shows so much character

[Legendofgenii]

I do find Venetian masks quite creepy - especially their history.

I think it would depend on the story’s theme, why they are wearing them and what they actually look like though.

[NickRowler]

I find them creepy, but I still find them cool.

I generally like characters who wear masks, mostly because the character has to use tone of voice and body gestures to help express themselves.

[TAMAnnoying]

Masks are hot :v more masks plz

[Pony_wearing_a_hat]

I tend to really like things that people say are creepy, and I really like the aesthetic of masks, so.... they're probably creepy.

[HGohwell]

I generally like characters who wear masks, mostly because the character has to use tone of voice and body gestures to help express themselves.

This was the bane of my existence throughout this scene. Several characters in full and matching masks only really distinguished by colour and trying to make them individual and get their character across just through dialogue and body language. It took some time figuring out.

[ble]

I say it depends on the mask.

Those examples in the OP, are kinda festive looking.

But it if was a mask that resembles a melted face made of other people's skin. Then yeah, that's creepy.

[Lovetina]

I think the idea of masks suggests some sort of mystery/unknown/organizational culture, and to start off with it, they may have to be attention grabbing/interesting. Since, emotion/character is "masked," masked scenes could be a little visually dull for an opener.

I think the right viewer will find it creepy and be even drawn to it.

[DiegoPalacios]

It depends a lot of how the mask looks. By emphatizing or covering some traits some masks can look funnier, creepier or even more stylish. Of course when it comes to mask designs if you wanna avoid the creep factor, look up for the uncanny valley.

As @skicoak mentioned before, context is also important

For example, in a costume party or a mascarade, masks are expected. If people go on a meeting wearing masks, they will give the vibe of a cult or secret organization. If they fight crime wearing masks, they may be superheroes or vigilantes.

[Samuraiflame]

While I'm not personally bothered by masks, I think those full facial ones can definitely evoke uncanny valley levels for some people. I'd still say go for whatever you want to do in your story, because I think masks always create intrigue for readers who want to know what's under them later in the story.

[MARNSOA]

I love masks! Those are gorgeous! I think it depends on how a mask is portrayed in a story, though. A lot of shadow will make it look more creepy, but a more intricate design might make it look more elegant.

[Iris-Grimoire]

I find masks really neat! I have the opposite problem with the examples though, the less detail the creepier it is - a flamboyant mask is just a big ol' acessory on top of the rest. But then it's more of an uncanny valley of not being able to identify face features well.

[CosmicLeon]

I think masks are creep when the features are too close to a human face. rather i think if they are animal mask, or other stylized images, its not as creepy.