by Matthew Molgaard

Created on: May 01, 2010

I had compiled a list of the top five horror films of 2007. I wrote in depth reviews of each film, including a nifty personal rating for each film (hey, I like to add my personal touch). Last night, I opened that specific word document, which I had invested a solid, (and slightly mentally fatiguing) four hours into, and I deleted it. Reckless? Perhaps, but after watching Behind The Mask: The Rise Of Leslie Vernon last night, I felt that list held little value; as my opinion had been significantly altered. One single movie had gained my attention so much, I felt, to partition this article amongst a selection of other films would be to disrespect one of the better horror films of the last decade.

Behind The Mask is a humorous, yet brilliant film. Director Scott Glosserman succeeded where so many other directors have failed in the past. Glosserman pulls a sincerely eerie performance from new comer Nathan Baesel, who plays our vicious, yet fanatical serious killer. Baesel, perfect in his performance, manages to blend an excellent combination of humor and genuine fear. Film veteran Angela Goethals (Spanglish, Changing Lanes) plays the perfect unsuspecting heroine. The chemistry between Baesel and Goethals is (at times) oddly sensual, which in turn manages to conjure an odd level of anxiety.

Filmed half standard, half documentary format, the picture follows an independent film crew (led by Goethals) as they document the planning and preparation of 'real life serial killer': Leslie Vernon. Vernon leads the crew through common routines and practices of a serial killer, all the way up to the point of the actual act. From the final reel, things unfold quickly, and plot twists that should have been overly apparent begin to take form. Things go horribly wrong for this film crew as Leslie Vernon unleashes his perfect plan. Will it end as Leslie Vernon predicts? You'll have to watch the film.

You won't find a wall full of Behind The Mask at your local Blockbuster. You won't see much of it in the way of advertising either. However, this film is creative. It's the breath of fresh air the genre has needed for some time. an actual, legitimately new approach to the slasher flick. Seek this film out. You will laugh, you will jump and you will be disturbed by one convincing performance from Nathan Baesel.

Skull Rating: 3.5/4 skulls

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