Behind the Mask: The Rise of Leslie Vernon


Title: Behind the Mask: The Rise of Leslie Vernon
Rating: 4.5/5
Genre: Horror, Comedy
Starring: Nathan Baesel, Angela Goethals, Scott Wilson
Director: Scott Glosserman
Duration: 92 mins

Journalism grad student, Taylor, and her camera crew, Doug and Todd, get a call from a man calling himself Leslie Vernon who invites them to shoot a documentary covering his methodical preparation for the night where he is to dawn the identity of a vengeful serial killer and stalk and slash a group of partying teenagers. Through a series of interviews and demonstrations, Leslie takes Taylor step-by-step through the process of creating a legend, selecting a group of victims, singling out a virginal "survivor girl," and set up a location for a night of horror and mayhem to take place. He explains the industry of fear and its conventions, the importance of sustaining a balance of good vs. evil, and influences from his heroes: Freddy Kruger, Jason Voorhees, Michael Myers, and a retired friend named Eugene. But when the time of terror and bloodshed finally arrives, will Taylor have the stomach to see her film project through and let Leslie complete his dream?

Out of all the satires of the slasher movie genre, Behind the Mask is nearly perfect. It is not merely a regurgitation of the slasher formula with added winks to the audience, but it breaks the formula down like a job description. To Leslie, setting up these teenagers in a spooky farmhouse and systematically slaughtering them is his calling, his life's work. This creative storytelling coupled with the film's mockumentary style results in a very unique and original movie.

As mentioned, the story is fresh and inspired. The dialog is realistic, the characters are vivid, and the levity is dispersed without trampling on the suspense. The direction switches between Spinal Tap-like camerawork (during the interviews) and straightforward camerawork (during the scenes of horror). To some this film may be a satire, but to others a homage. It is without a doubt Behind the Mask has serious respect for its predecessors. Freddy, Jason, and Michael are spoken of by Leslie and Eugene as groundbreakers in the "field" of fear. The movie also features special appearances by Robert Englund (A Nightmare on Elm Street series), Kane Hodder (Friday the 13th series), and Zelda Rubenstein (Poltergeist series).

Nathan Baesel excels as the charismatic average joe behind-the-mask that is Leslie. His dry humor and nonchalance towards the subject of murder make him an antihero worthy of rooting for. You almost want his character to slay through the jocks, cheerleaders, and potheads because he acts like the cool guy you'd want to be friends with. Goethals is a perfect match as the slightly awkward, yet determined, young reporter. Their chemistry onscreen heightens the enjoyment factor of the movie. The only real problem I have with this film is its tribute to only the big name villains of 80s slasher films. Freddy and Jason are already household names, so perhaps this helps include the casual or non-horror fan in the fun, but a few obscure references would've been to the movie's advantage with the hardcore fan base.

All in all, there is much amusement to be had with Behind the Mask: The Rise of Leslie Vernon for any viewer. Of all the horror mockumentaries out there, and even of all the horror satires out there, this is by far the most superior. Fast-paced and engaging, funny and thrilling, brutal and tender, this film is one to be remembered.

Trailer

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