Behind the Mask: The Rise of Leslie Vernon (2006) - This Meta Slasher Hits Hard (RHS Talks Ep. 24)

Behind the Mask: The Rise of Leslie Vernon is one of the smartest, funniest, and most layered takes on slasher mythology we’ve ever gotten. It breaks down the rules, rebuilds them, and still gives you a killer who earns his place among the greats.

In this podcast episode with Aleister Sharkwater, we're diving into why this movie works, what makes Leslie such an effective meta villain, and how the film pulls off being both a mockumentary and a love letter to classic slashers.

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WATCH THIS VIDEO NEXT:    • No Country For Old Men (2007) Is a Horror ...  

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Hey, I’m Brandy, aka The Terrorific Lady.

I’m a former teacher turned horror content creator, here to break down horror films from the 1970s to the 2010s and explore the concepts, tropes, and history behind the genre we all love.

New videos every Friday. Let’s talk horror.

🎃 Instagram & Threads: @TerrorificLady
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Retro horror is the lesson. I’m just here to teach it.

Chapters

00:00 – Intro and info about Aliester's podcast
02:50 – When did you first see Behind the Mask?
04:33 – What stood out to you the most when you first saw it?
05:30 – Talking about the Behind the Mask sequel comic book and sequel news
07:09 – What part of Leslie Vernon's training/approach did you find interesting/funny?
08:41 – Scott Wilson (The Walking Dead) as a 60s/70s old school slasher villain
10:05 – How does the mockumentary approach change how we view Leslie Vernon?
11:25 – Does Leslie Vernon drive the story the most?
13:10 – How does the balance of horror, comedy, and meta commentary work in Behind the Mask?
15:03 – The meta Geico commercial. :)
16:38 – How do the horror easter eggs add to the experience of the movie?
19:15 – Survivor girl vs. final girl
20:07 – Did the shift from mockumentary to regular movie affect the pacing?
24:55 – Are there any particular slasher moments that nail the aspects of horror and comedy?
26:12 – What is one horror movie trope that you'd completely disregard?
27:32 – What is the cult appeal of Behind the Mask?
28:32 – Where does Leslie fit in the pantheon of slasher icons?
30:00 – What is your elevator pitch for people to watch this movie?
33:03 - Retro Lightning Round
41:59 - Where can you find Aleister online and on social media?