Behind the Mask: The Rise of Leslie Vernon (2006) #458

 

There is no reason I can come up with to guess or explain why it took me so long before finally watching “Behind the Mask: The Rise of Leslie Vernon”. I loved the concept and execution of this film from beginning to end. It’s look at a typical slasher movie from the inside out; a very meta experience from the perspective of the villain. It’s a well made movie with surprise cameos of some of the biggest names in horror. 

The movie follows journalist Taylor and her two cameramen Doug and Todd as they work on their newest documentary; the origin of new local “slasher” styled killer, Leslie Vernon. Leslie seems like a charismatic, intelligent young man who just happens to be ready to join the ranks of famous slasher killers like Jason, Michael, and Freddy. Leslie explains to Taylor that he is the young boy from local legend that had killed his own family before being presumably killed by his neighbors. With his origin in place, he goes on to explain all the ends and outs of becoming a great slasher killer which includes how to pick a final girl, how to orchestrate his first kill, and how to create a climatic showdown. For Leslie, it’s all a test for the final girl to see if she can survive his assault; if she does, then they both win.

Nathan Baesel plays Leslie Vernon, the charismatic killer. He plays the role full of vest and energy, someone who is fully invested in his project. Even after he makes his first kill, he still comes across as friendly, although the film crew is clearly on edge. It’s a shame that he hasn’t appeared in anything else related since this film. Angela Goethals is Taylor Gentry, the host of the documentary crew. She was a delight to watch as she interacted with Leslie, trying to get all that she could out of him and then coming to her senses and her desire to help save the final girl after he begins his killing spree. Robert Englund has a small but important role as Doc Halloran, a Dr. Loomis type character who knows about Leslie’s past and his plan, attempting to stop him before it’s too late. Zelda Rubinstein even shows up in a cameo as a librarian.

What I loved about this film is the balance it finds between being a very dark comedy in the first half before turning into a full on slasher flick. Both halves are so good at being what they are and the transition is very smooth. During the first half, Leslie explains what he plans to do during the Big Night, and the second half of the film has him doing just that. It’s such a joy to see the different aspects explored and explained from the killer’s point of view. It’s absurd and it works. I highly recommend this film, even more so to those who enjoyed “The Cabin in the Woods”.