The Rise of Leslie Vernon (2006)
Behind the Mask: The Rise of Leslie Vernon is a 2006 American mockumentary black comedy slasher film directed by Scott Glosserman. The film presents itself as a documentary following Leslie Vernon, an aspiring serial killer who invites a film crew to chronicle his preparations to become the next great horror icon.
Set in a world where slasher villains like Jason Voorhees, Freddy Krueger, and Michael Myers are real, the film deconstructs the slasher genre while paying homage to the horror classics that inspired it. It blends comedy and horror with sharp commentary on slasher film tropes and archetypes.
Grad student Taylor Gentry and her camera crew follow Leslie Vernon, a would-be slasher who's chosen a small town to be the setting of his killing spree. As Taylor documents Leslie's meticulous preparations—selecting victims, setting traps, and crafting his legend—she becomes increasingly conflicted about her role as an observer to murder.
The film masterfully transitions from documentary-style footage to traditional slasher cinematography in its final act, delivering both laughs and genuine thrills for horror fans.