Behind the Mask: The Rise of Leslie Vernon

Name: Behind the Mask: The Rise of Leslie Vernon
Genre: Thriller, Horror, Comedy
Released: March 16, 2007
Duration: 92 min
Rating: 66
Cast: Angela Goethals, Nathan Baesel, Zelda Rubinstein

2007

METASCORE

Generally favorable reviews based on 14 Critic Reviews

See All

USER SCORE

Generally favorable reviews based on 53 Ratings

See All

7.7

VOTE NOW

0 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10

7.7	Your Score
7.7	User Score Generally favorable reviews based on 53 Ratings

Would you like to write a review?

There is a 75 character minimum for reviews. If your review contains spoilers, please check the Spoiler box. Please do not use ALL CAPS. There is no linking or other HTML allowed. Your review may be edited for content. 0/5000

Check box if your review contains spoilers

Play Sound

Please enter your birth date to watch this video:

You are not allowed to view this material at this time.

Behind The Mask: The rise Of Leslie Vernon

Now Playing: Behind The Mask: The rise Of Leslie Vernon

Movie Details & Credits

Anchor Bay Entertainment | Release Date: March 16, 2007 | R

Starring: Angela Goethals, Nathan Baesel, Zelda Rubinstein

Summary: The world's next great psych-slasher has given a documentary crew exclusive access to his life as he plans his reign of terror over the sleepy town of Glen Echo, all the while deconstructing the conventions and archetypes of the horror genre for them. (Anchor Bay Entertainment)

Director: Scott Glosserman

Genre(s): Thriller, Horror, Comedy

Rating: R

Runtime: 92 min

See All Details and Credits

Watch Now

Stream On

Buy on

Stream On

Expand

Metascore

Positive:

Mixed:

Negative:

Critic Reviews

Scott Foundas

At its best, Behind the Mask offers some, um, cutting insights about mass-media blood lust and the cult of the serial killer, and in Baesel, who is by turns charming, manic and thoroughly scary, it has a gifted young actor who clearly relishes a role he can sink his pitchfork into. Read full review

Joe Leydon

An ingeniously twisted mockumentary. Read full review

Eric Campos

Fortunately, the filmmakers have quite a few clever tricks up their sleeves, bringing us a smart, refreshing an affectionate skewering of a celebrated genre. Read full review

Stephen Hunter

The movie has more cleverness than violence, and its breakdown of cliches is vivid and witty. Baesel is an extraordinary presence, holding the film together with his mesmerizing performance, charm and openness, and Goethals measures up to him. Read full review

Marc Savlov

A poke in the eye of genre convention with a flensing blade and a disarmingly charming razor-blade grin. Read full review

TV Guide Magazine Ken Fox

Perhaps too clever for its own good. Read full review

Frank Scheck

Most of this is fairly predictable spoofing, and Englund is wasted as a psycho-hunting shrink clearly modeled after Donald Pleasence's character in "Halloween." But there are moments when the proceedings are unsettling and original. Read full review

SEE ALL 14 REVIEWS

Write a Review

User Reviews

kuehnau

May 28, 2016

A fantastic take on the slasher genre of horror films, film students follow around, interview and film the life, times and process of a urban legend slasher as he plots and plans his own legend in a small sleepy town.

The movie attempts to make commentary on the hows and whys of the lifeA fantastic take on the slasher genre of horror films, film students follow around, interview and film the life, times and process of a urban legend slasher as he plots and plans his own legend in a small sleepy town.

The movie attempts to make commentary on the hows and whys of the life of a horror movie slasher. The movie makes references to classics such as Friday the 13th, Halloween and even Nightmare on Elm Street.

A fairly well paced movie, funny at times, but equally full of violence and action, there's a slight twist at the end that makes the movie even more enjoyable. Viewers should make sure to watch the rolling credits ending as well for a extra surprise.… Expand

0 of 0 users found this helpful00

RodeoG.

Jan 14, 2007

AMAZING! NOTHING MORE CAN SAID.

0 of 0 users found this helpful

NickC.

Feb 27, 2007

One of the best horror films I have seen in a long time. Creative storyline and talented actors make this a movie you don't want to miss.

0 of 0 users found this helpful

C.N.

Mar 16, 2007

The initial parody component of is brilliant, though it does lose a bit of heart and steam when the film shifts tones to become that which it is satirizing. I would highly recommend Behind the Mask to lovers of Shaun of the Dead.

0 of 0 users found this helpful

ryancarroll88

Aug 27, 2010

Though it may present itself as such, I don't really see the movie as a mockery of the horror genre but rather an explanation of why the same formula has worked for so long (and uses ubiquitous terms to explain it, such as "Survivor Girl" and "Ahab") . If anything, I see it as a criticism ofThough it may present itself as such, I don't really see the movie as a mockery of the horror genre but rather an explanation of why the same formula has worked for so long (and uses ubiquitous terms to explain it, such as "Survivor Girl" and "Ahab") . If anything, I see it as a criticism of documentary journalists, who often stand by and let horrible things happen in real life without bothering to interfere for the sake of getting an authentic take on camera for a quick buck. But anyway, back to the movie - it's funny, fresh, well-written and still campy enough to please any horror fans.… Expand

0 of 0 users found this helpful00

MikeD

Jul 2, 2007

Excellent film. I love how they manage to successfully lampoon and pay homage to the horror genre within the same film. It's genuinely funny AND genuinely scary.

0 of 0 users found this helpful

imthenoob

Jun 17, 2019

While it started off interesting and fun, The final act switched from the mockumentary style to just a flat out cheesy horror movie that I couldn't help but roll my eyes at. It ruined the movie IMO.

0 of 0 users found this helpful00

SEE ALL 17 REVIEWS