The Mask (1994)

Ben Stein: Dr. Arthur Neuman

Photos 

Quotes 

• Dr. Arthur Neuman : We all wear masks... metaphorically speaking.

• Dr. Arthur Neuman : [Reffering to the mask, which Stanley brought in]  I'm talking about the mythology, Mr. Ipkiss. This is a piece of wood.

• [Stanley is at Dr. Neuman's office. Dr. Neuman examines the mask] 

  Dr. Arthur Neuman : This is an interesting piece, Mr. Ipkiss. Looks like fourth or fifth century Scandinavian, possibly a representation of one of the Norse night gods... maybe Loki.

  Stanley Ipkiss : Loki? Who's Loki?

  Dr. Arthur Neuman : The Norse god of mischief. Supposedly he caused so much trouble, that Odin banished him from Valhalla forever.

  Stanley Ipkiss : Then he could've banished him into that mask!

  Dr. Arthur Neuman : I'm talking about mythology, Mr. Ipkiss. This is a piece of wood.

  [Stanley approaches Dr. Neuman, handing him his book "The Masks We Wear"] 

  Stanley Ipkiss : But your book!

  Dr. Arthur Neuman : My book is about masks as metaphor, Mr. Ipkiss. A metaphor... not to be taken literally.

  [Dr. Neuman puts the book on his desk] 

  Dr. Arthur Neuman : You're suffering from mild delusion.

  Stanley Ipkiss : [nods]  All right.

  [Stanley picks up the mask] 

  Stanley Ipkiss : I'm going to prove it to you.

  [Stanley walks to the corner of the room] 

  Stanley Ipkiss : But I am not responsible for the consequences. Just sit back and enjoy the ride, Mr. Expert.

  Dr. Arthur Neuman : [indifferently]  You don't scare me, Mr. Ipkiss. Go right ahead.

  Stanley Ipkiss : See ya.

  [Stanley presses the mask to his face, but nothing happens. He moans and hops around, wails, waves his hands, but still nothing. Dr. Neuman watches him unimpressed. Stanley removes the mask and approaches Dr. Neuman] 

  Stanley Ipkiss : Okay! You said Loki was a night god. Maybe it only works at night.

  Dr. Arthur Neuman : Mr. Ipkiss, I feel I should warn you, that I don't work personally with really sick people. There are private institutions for things like that. However, if you would like me to arrange for a safe environment for you tonight, I can do that.

  Stanley Ipkiss : No.

  [Stanley sits at the desk opposite of Dr. Neuman] 

  Stanley Ipkiss : [anxiously]  I've got to see Tina. But what do I do? I mean, do I go as myself or the Mask?

  Dr. Arthur Neuman : [dryly]  If I tell you, you promise to leave my office right now?

  [Stanley nods] 

  Dr. Arthur Neuman : All right.

  [Dr. Neuman stands, approaches Stanley, places his hand on his right shoulder, and pats on his left shoulder] 

  Dr. Arthur Neuman : Mr. Ipkiss, go as yourself and as the Mask, because they are both one and the same beautiful person.