Horror Movie of the Month: Behind The Mask: The Rise of Leslie Vernon

Here begins a monthly installation of ‘Awesome Horror Movie of the Month’. Kicking off this returning commentary is Behind The Mask: The Rise of Leslie Vernon. This is a low budget, independent film with a lot of heart. It’s rare that today’s horror has any ingenuity left without borrowing (or stealing) from a previous work, especially within the horror genre. This film is an excellent combination of character study, slasher film, comedy, documentary-or mockumentary- and psycho horror all wrapped up in a neat little package that will leave even the most seasoned (or jaded) horror fans pleasantly surprised.

Perhaps it’s fair to say this film borrows a little of its plot line from the Scream films in that the killer explains the metaphoric and subliminal formula within the average slasher films of the past. The original franchises for The Friday the 13th, Nightmare on Elm Street, The Shining, and Halloween are all lovingly represented here, as the killer, Leslie Vernon, happily explains the methodical details of each killing he is about to commit.

Briefly gracing the film’s cast is Robert Englund as Doc Holloway, hilariously and thinly disguised in the persona of Donald Pleasance as Doctor Loomis from the Halloween franchise. Scott Wilson brilliantly plays Vernon’s mentor with perfect ease, while lending a craftsman-like quality to serial killing. And if you blink, you’ll miss Kane Hodder in a flash cameo near the film’s beginning, proving early on that this little film means business.

Beautifully shot, even for video, it’s clear that a lot of thought was put into each scene, while turning away from today’s habit of showing the viewer too much. As with most memorable horror films, it’s what we don’t see that can be the most effective, while saving a ton of dough on special effects. The acting is genuine, and quite believable for a crew of unknowns. Nathan Baesel will no doubt gain at least a cult following for his Bundy-esque portrayal of Vernon. The expected near-end twist is a good one, but keep watching because the first is not the last. In fact, keep watching through the end credits to witness the final bow this film gives to its horror predecessors.

As of this writing a sequel; Before The Mask: The Return of Leslie Vernon is in the works, with the film’s fundraising coming from their Facebook page pre-order campaign which has raised over $15,000 so far. An investment group has since signed on to match the funds up to $500,000. The sequel is slated to be released sometime in 2012, so go give 'em a thumbs up and pre-order some killer merchandise.