Cher, the iconic singer and actress, has recently opened up about her experiences working with director Peter Bogdanovich on the 1985 film Mask, revealing a deeply negative encounter. In a candid interview with The Times of London promoting her memoir, Cher detailed her fraught relationship with Bogdanovich, describing him as “misogynistic,” “pompous,” and an “asshole.” This revelation sheds new light on the behind-the-scenes dynamics of the critically acclaimed film Mask, a movie centered around the life of Rocky Dennis and his struggles with craniodiaphyseal dysplasia.
Cher’s harsh words for Bogdanovich, who directed Mask, are among the most striking in her interview. She named him as one of only two directors she has disliked throughout her extensive career, the other being Frank Oz. However, her criticism of Bogdanovich was particularly scathing. “He was an asshole,” Cher stated plainly. “He was not nice to the girls in the film and he was so f—ing arrogant. I really, really disliked him.” This strong condemnation highlights a significant clash of personalities and working styles on the set of Mask.
The tension apparently escalated to the point of open conflict. Cher recounted a specific incident where a simple discussion about scene blocking devolved into a heated argument. According to Cher, when she suggested filming a scene in the kitchen, Bogdanovich reacted explosively. She claims he launched into a tirade, accusing her of trying to direct the film and asserting his authority by threatening to cut her out entirely. Cher described his behavior as that of a “pig,” underscoring her deep disdain for his conduct.
Alyah Chanelle Scott attends the premiere of Max's "The Sex Lives Of College Girls" Season 3 at The Hollywood Roosevelt on November 14, 2024 in Hollywood, California.
Interestingly, Bogdanovich, who passed away in 2022, had previously shared his own negative assessment of working with Cher. In a 2019 interview with Vulture, he labeled her the “most difficult” actor he had ever directed. Bogdanovich alleged that Cher was distrustful, particularly of men, and that she “can’t act.” He attributed her Best Actress award at Cannes to his skillful close-up shots, claiming they masked her inability to sustain a scene. He went on to say, “Her eyes have the sadness of the world. You get to know her, you find out it’s self-pity, but still, it translates well in movies.” These contrasting viewpoints paint a picture of a deeply dysfunctional working relationship marked by mutual disrespect and animosity.
Despite the turbulent behind-the-scenes atmosphere, Mask was ultimately a successful film. Starring Cher alongside Sam Elliot, Eric Stoltz, and Laura Dern, the movie tells the poignant story of Rocky Dennis, a young boy with a rare genetic condition. Mask garnered critical acclaim, particularly for its makeup, which won an Academy Award. The film remains a significant entry in both Cher’s and Bogdanovich’s filmographies, albeit one now colored by Cher’s recent revelations about their contentious collaboration during the making of Mask. These new insights into the production of Mask provide a stark reminder that even successful films can be born from challenging and conflicted creative environments.
