Part mockumentary, part straight-out horror film, "Behind the Mask" tells the story of Leslie Vernon (Nathan Baesel), America's next big serial killer who is eager to follow in the footsteps of his heroes Freddy, Jason and Michael.

"Behind the Mask" takes the central premise of "Scream", that is, a tongue-in-cheek, self-aware horror film populated by characters who have seen too many horror movies and know all of the "rules", and takes this premise one step further. The characters in "Behind the Mask" are not only aware of the events of other horror movies (in the world of "Behind the Mask", the events of these movies are treated as real), but Vernon even explains how much hard work is required for a horror villain to make all of the seemingly supernatural cliches of other horror films a reality. Ever wondered how psycho-killers can manage to keep up with those screaming teenagers, even though they seem to be walking while the teens are running? This film explains that and more.

"Behind the Mask" is a low-budget, independent film starring few actors whom you have ever heard of (Robert Englund's appearance is little more than a cameo), but in spite of this, manages to put many high-budget studio horror films to shame. The script by first time writer/director Scott Glosserman is creative and funny, and even works well as a horror film, when the shift comes towards the end of the film. Lead actor Baesel is also excellent. This is the sort of film that's success depends entirely on the lead making his character both believable and charismatic. Although Baesel's prior credits comprise simply a few television appearances, he proves himself to be just as effective a horror villain as many of the horror greats who have gone before him.

Being a long-time horror fan myself, I am not sure how someone unfamiliar with the various horror conventions would respond to this film. Then again, how many non-horror fans would be considering watching this movie in the first place? For horror fans, however, particularly fans of "Scream", this is a great film, packed with in jokes, that is certain to become a cult favourite.

This movie is like a slap in the face to all good slasher movies.the first boring half of the movie is like a documentary on how to be a killer and the steps you have to take like planning.the second still boring part turns the film into a real slasher but there are no good blood and gore effects,the mask the killer uses is just plain dumb looking,there is a soft core sex scene but no nudity.all in all avoid this movie or just rent it for something to laugh at.dont take to serious but either way youll be disapointed with this movie.as a matter of fact the trailer was far better then the movie itself.

This was a breath of fresh air. I don't normally get into horror films that try hard to be funny, but this one was exceptional.

If one is to draw comparisons, then the Scream franchise comes to mind, but this film is better in that the characters are more memorable and the rhetoric is deeper.

BEHIND THE MASK: THE RISE OF LESLIE VERNON is about a documentary crew that follows an up-and-coming serial killer who shows how he plans his rampages and how he picks his victims.

This is a fun watch-- highly recommended!

It took me a while to get around to Behind the Mask: The Rise of Leslie Vernon, even though I was interested in it since its DVD release. Upon finally viewing it, it's more than safe to say that Behind the Mask is pretty much everything Wes Craven's Scream series could and should have been. Nathan Baesel stars as the title character; a mild-mannered, seemingly good-natured guy who is really a would-be homicidal maniac. The catch here is he's allowing himself to be filmed by a young documentary crew (led by Angela Goethals) as he prepares for his night of slaughter to unfold. What follows are some serious surprises and plenty of odes to the slasher genre, which writer/director Scott Glosserman clearly loves. With some great cameos and small roles from genre stalwarts including Scott Wilson, Zelda Rubinstein, Kane Hodder, and Robert "Freddy Kruger" Englund; Behind the Mask ends up being an entertaining take on the slasher, even though it really isn't as clever as it thinks it is. All in all, Behind the Mask: The Rise of Leslie Vernon is an enjoyable ode to the slasher genre, and is definitely worth your time.

One evening I decided to pick out a Horror title at the store. The criteria was to pick something that I have never heard of. I picked up Behind the Mask. This resulted in finding one of my favorite movies of all time!

The movie starts as a Documentary about the next "Supernatural Serial Killer." They mention Jason, Freddy, and Michael Myers. Now...Leslie Vernon. This movie is truly made for the fans. They cover every cliche in the Slasher sub-genre. Leslie Vernon is so funny and charming. The documentary crew follows him as he sets up his own legend. They interview him about all of the tricks of the trade. It is wonderful dialogue and acting. You learn about how a supernatural serial killer makes it look like he is walking but somehow keeps up with his victims. They even talk about all of the symbolism that occurs as the lead girl becomes the heroin. Absolutely brilliant!

The movie actually changes tone drastically at a certain point. I will not spoil it for you though.

Like I said, the movie is for the fans. Someone accused this movie of being unoriginal and cliche. I must say "yes, it is." That is the point! They created a movie about the cliches in Slasher Films. Therefore it is original. Watch this movie and have fun! It is truly amazing if you watch it carefully, you find all sorts of throwbacks to Friday the 13th, Halloween, and Nightmare on Elm St.