Wow, just watched “Behind the Mask: The Rise of Leslie Vernon.” It’s “Scary Movie,” except really scary, as well as funny. The film is a parody/mockumentary of the stereotypical slasher flick, but it really works as a horror entrée. Although it stays true to the formulaic structure of genre, it still manages to do so while taking turns that catch the viewer way off guard. In the film, the crew of the documentary follows Leslie Vernon, a pathological killer. Along the way, they become willing participants within his prewritten script that consists of the typical dirty deeds that characters like Jason, Michael and Freddy have become icons for. This film somewhat resembles the French language (1992) “Man Bites Dog,” another mockumentary-gone-wrong type movie that really works.
Another interesting twist is that the film casts Robert Englund (aka Freddie Kruger) as the obligatory psychiatrist that’s tracking the killer. “Behind the Mask…” is a witty film that let’s you sit back and laugh at all of the bad films you’ve been watching for all of these years, while never fully allowing you to let your guard down long enough to feel at ease.
The other awesome thing about this DVD release is that the “Making of…” bonus movie truly gives insight into the making of a film from the start to the wrap, chronically each step thoroughly. This is a nice addition for those interested in the true, little seen back story of making a film.
Overall, “The Rise of Leslie Vernon” is a killer slasher flick. Oh, don’t skip the credits.
