Behind the Mask: The Rise of Leslie Vernon (2006)

Slasher films, a horror movie sub-genre, have devolved far beyond cliché. They are so narrow in there premises and void of originality that many seemingly follow the same screenplay in a different setting and on the surface different characters. There are only about five or six of these films I would consider good movies and only one or two of which I would call truly original for their time. In other words, basically all slasher films are directly influenced by one or two movies. A mockumentary on this subject is an obvious choice and a great idea. But there are far too many hardcore slasher movie fans and unfortunately for Behind the Mask one of them became its director and lost grip of what should’ve been the film’s goals.

Scene from the movie

Taylor is a documentary filmmaker who meets a wannabe murderer named Leslie. Leslie knows all the ins and out of how to become a legend like Freddy Kreuger, Jason Vorhees, and Michael Myers. Taylor is going to be allowed to document his plan to murder one specific group of kids. Leslie goes over explanations for all the clichés in slasher movies and indicates many clichés as his kind of unexplained goals, and he even explains a few in comedic detail. These are the best parts of Behind the Mask and act as a solid commentary toward the dying sub-genre.

Murder scene from Behind the Mask

I have many issues with this film but mainly my problem is that the premise fails to mock and instead turns into a slasher film itself. It seems to have fun laughing at how ludicrous slasher movies are and then essentially becomes a celebration of them and in an instant goes the opposite direction I thought the movie wanted to go. I went from thinking this was a unique movie by a smart filmmaker to thinking it was less than mediocre and directed by nothing more than a fan of slasher films. Another related issue I had with Behind the Mask is that it was predictable when the film transitioned toward the end, and it definitely shouldn’t have been. When Wes Craven created the satire of slasher films Scream, it surprisingly worked because we suddenly realized that the film is far more intelligent than the subject of its satire. Behind the Mask is by no means smarter than its subject. It actually becomes its subject.

Also, my biggest gripe of all is the acting of Nathan Baesel. I think it was important that his performance work and for me it didn’t. I thought his performance was overdone and too enthusiastic, especially his interactions with Eugene, a retired slasher legend who also talks about murdering as if it is a science. Director Scott Glosserman is accountable for the film’s performances as well but these people are new so I’m sure we will see more quality from them down the road. Behind the Mask, at the very least does showcase talent from some of those involved. At least more so than I Still Know What You Did Last Summer or Jason Goes to Hell.

Leslie Vernon

It was recommended to me by my brother, who appreciates slasher films and even said to me that I have to like slashers to like Behind the Mask. He was absolutely right. I love horror films and the slasher sub-genre to me has betrayed real horror and negatively effected the quality of horror films we see made today. So I guess I don’t like slasher films overall. Take my brother’s advice here and don’t bother if you thought Friday the 13th parts 3 through whatever were lame. If you like slasher films you will appreciate Behind the Mask as a celebration of the sub-genre. It just doesn’t work beyond that.

My rating is 2 out of 5 stars.

helllo

By Nthateng Mhlambiso (BTM managing Editor)

UGANDA – 16 October 2009: Frustrations are mounting among Ugandan gays and lesbians over the Anti-Homosexuality Bill tabled in Parliament of Uganda on Wednesday, prohibiting homosexual acts, distribution of gay related material, any public discussion or expression of gay and lesbian lives and any organizing around sexual orientation.

Sexual Minorities Uganda, an umbrella organisation of gay rights organisations has said that this “repressive” Bill is a blow to a “steady” progress of democracy in the country.

It stated that the Bill violates the basic rights to freedom of expression, conscience, association, and assembly, as well as internationally recognised protections against discrimination.

“its [the Bill] intention is to divide and discriminate against the Ugandan homosexual population, and exclude them from participation in public life, which goes against the inclusive spirit necessary for our economic as well as political development. Its spirit is profoundly undemocratic and un-African”, SMUG said in a statement.

SMUG revealed that increasing campaigns against gays and lesbians have led to severe violence resulting in many unwarranted arrests and several deaths of homosexual people.

I added “this bill aggravates stigma and hatred and renders all promised protections enshrined in the constitution for all Ugandan citizens void.”

Uganda has, according to SMUG, repeatedly pledged to defend these fundamental freedoms in the Constitutiom, has signed treaties binding it to respect international human rights law and standards including the African Charter on Human and Peoples’ Rights.

“As part of the community of nations forming sexual minorities we urge Ugandan parliamentarians and government to continue to respect these principles and reject this bill, which establishes a new and totally undemocratic level of policing private life.”

“These positions will further set a dangerous precedent and send a signal that any Ugandan’s privacy is unguaranteed -that all of our civil society could be put under attack. If this bill is passed into law, it will clearly endanger the work of all human rights defenders and members of civil society in Uganda”, SMUG said.

“As the Sexual Minorities in Uganda, we urge you to act on that obligation, and to
further the growth of our democracy. Kindly vote against this bill”, SMUG concluded.

yes we can! condemn Bill 18 NOW & release all political prisoners, not only in AmeriKKKa, but on the continent.

yes we can! work on our (own) unity first.

yes we can! commit to the liberation of all Afrikan people.

yes we can! advocate for global human rights.

a case of reparations

a good meal to swallow in reflection of the monies owed to afrikan peoples.

A documentary crew is allowed to follow the ‘next great’ serial killer as he explains his rules, his life and his plan to murder a group of teens.

Directed by – Scott Glosserman

Written by – Scott Glosserman, David J. Stieve

Starring – Nathan Baesel, Angela Goethals, Robert Englund, Scott Wilson, Zelda Rubinstein, Bridgett Newton, Kate Lang Johnson, Ben Pace, Britain Spellings, Hart Turner, Krissy Carlson, Travis Zariwny, Teo Gomez, Matt Bolt, Jenafer Brown, Kane Hodder

I loved and hated this movie all at the same time and I’m still undecided on whether that’s a valid opinion or not. I’ll start with what I loved.

The first hour of the movie is basically a documentary crew following Leslie Vernon around as he plans his killing spree. Every minute was full of fun for this part. Leslie explains the rules of the serial killer, name drops Freddy Krueger, Jason Voorhees and Michael Myers, (since the film places them in reality) introduces us to his inspiration who is a retired serial killer and walks the film crew, step by step, through his plan of action. What’s so great about this is there’s little explanations for the reasons these killers do what they do. Why is a closet a safe place to hide, the workouts to be able to look like you’re walking and still keep up with the running victims and the imagery behind things like the weapons the victims choose to use against the killer or the woods they run into.

It’s an explanation of all the horror movie cliches and it works perfectly. It almost gives you new respect for the endless amounts of times you’ve had to watch those cookie cutter kids get slaughtered in the woods. It’s smart, funny, creepy and a hell of a good time to watch. Most of that credit is going to Nathan Baesel in the role of Leslie Vernon. He plays the role perfectly with the right balance of good and evil, so well in fact that I really liked him and was cheering for him.

Leslie introduces us to his role model.

While the first hour was great, I was disappointed by the last half hour. Here’s where it turns into a typical slasher flick. That wouldn’t be so bad normally but the first hour was so smart and creative that it made the last half hour seem even more brainless than it was. I guess I was expecting too much since the movie is about a slasher and the last half hour is a slasher flick. The most annoying part about that final half hour is the fact that the last thing the film crew asks about is how you really would escape one of these serial killers and then ten minutes later they can’t even take the advice.

The film crew becomes part of the film.

Looking back on it now, it all makes sense. The victims act the way they do because they always do. No amount of advice could change that. Overall it’s still a great movie, much better than plenty of other horror flicks I’ve watched lately. It’s basically two movies in one. The first part is the documentary and that’s the superior part, the second half is good old fashioned slasher movie. Not quite as good as the first part but it brings back memories of the good old days. It’s not going to turn the genre on its head but it’ll give you something to think about the next time you watch those dumb teenagers head for the barn when they’re being chased by the latest psycho.

Under the marquee – Will

“A little  group of willful men, representing no opinion but their own, have rendered the great Government of the United States helpless and contemptible. ” –Woodrow Wilson, 1917

This quote accurately describes what is taking place in the United States as average Americans respond to lies and ambushes set up by those that are only interested in protecting their own pockets, their jobs (politicians of both parties) and the bottom lines of their share holders.

And these masked and willful men and women preventing health care reform are definitely not robbing from the rich to give more to the poor or the middle class!

So think about the next time you think about who’s really behind stopping the uninsured from becoming insured?

Today I’m going to review a little movie called Behind the Mask: The Rise of Leslie Vernon. I’m not a huge slasher movie fan, while I will watch them occasionally if they seem interesting they don’t usually yank my goat. I see them as to much ho and hum but this one piqued my curiosity. I’d heard some good things about it so I decided to check it out. Well I came away thinking, hey that was pretty good.

Your singing into your beer makes my ears hurt

The plot revolves around a small team of documentary film makers who are invited to follow Leslie Vernon who wants to give rise to a new horror legend such as Freddy Krueger and Jason Vorhees. Leslie is played quite well by Nathan Baesel and portrayed with a dual personality. Without the mask he eventually wears he is a likeable character who spouts Jim Carrey quotes and seems to be very disarming but his real motive is to find his heroin, the girl that will survive his slaughter to tell the world about him and the new legend. The film crew headed by Taylor Gentry (Angela Goethals) unwittingly become part of his scheme and as they follow his setup of the perfect “teen massacre” they begin to realise that they may be in to deep with a guy who isn’t just a ineffectual wacko but might be the real thing. A quite amusing casting is Leslies nemesis in the legend, Robert Englund who plays Dr Halloran. I had to laugh.

Let me save you with these two meat hooks!...oh dear...

There are plot holes, I mean really are the documentary filmers  this stupid…well obviously yes  and the ending does seem to just all fall into place a little too neatly but hey I didn’t mind in the end. There are kills and then some nudity…score. I’m a simple man at heart with simple needs.

In the end I enjoyed this movie. I give it a solid 6.5 (7.5 or higher if your a fan of slasher movies)  and a possible rise of a new horror legend…well maybe.

Reviews of Feed, The Host and Behind the Mask: The Rise of Leslie Vernon. Also, the start of the ill-fated Emilio Festivez: Repo Man. And no, I can’t stand the sound of my voice in these either.

Download

Sara Gates – The Examiner

This movie is chock full of classic horror movie references, from ‘Halloween’ and ‘Friday the 13th’ to ‘Child’s Play’ and ‘The Shining’. The more you watch the movie, the more references you pick up on.

This ‘mockumentary’ follows Leslie Vernon, an aspiring supernatural serial killer. He explains the inner workings and provides a behind-the-scenes perspective of famous serial killers we all know and love.

Full of fun language and witty jokes, inside and not, this has got to be not only one of the better original horror movies of the new millenium, but I believe it’s the best parody movie as well, both more intelligent and meaningful and funnier than the ‘Scary Movie’ series.

The first bit of the movie is strictly comedic mockumentary with a few splashes of horror from the perspective of the murderer, but in the last twenty minutes or so, it escalates into a full-scale slasher movie, with ‘Survivor Girl’ and all.

Nathan Baesel, a new film actor, is amazingly able to portray both a funny good-guy type character and a deranged psychopath without over- or under-acting.

The ‘twist ending’ is a little predictable, but that may actually be an intentional addition on the filmmakers’ part, a sort of homage to the ridiculousness of real horror movies. And the song playing over the end (Psycho Killer by the Talking Heads) really makes up for the fact that, to get to the special ending ending, you have to sit through a very long credits sequence.

Really, it’s something you’ll have to see for yourself; it’s difficult to explain scenes so amazing as Leslie doing cardio while explaining how difficult it is to look like you’re walking and not out of breath at all while chasing teenagers running at a full sprint.

Most of the actors are little-known but decent; however, Robert Englund (Freddy Krueger), Kane Hodder (Jason Vorhees) and Zelda Rubinstein (of ‘Poltergeist’ and ‘Scariest Places on Earth’ fame) make brief appearances.

E. Larry Day (Heroes, Mean Creek, The Sasquatch Gang) is the makeup department head

Eddie Freund (The Divine, E. Larry Day: Special Effects Make-up Artist) is the special makeup effects artist

Kai Shelton (Meet the Spartans, Pirates of the Caribbean: The Curse of the Black Pearl, The Postman) is the special effects coordinator

Get Behind the Mask on DVD!

Filme do gênero de Terror, tentando relembrar as grandes linhas dos maiores maníacos das telas de cinemas, este filme é um prato cheio para aqueles que gostam de relembrar o brilhantismo do Robert Englund, que ajudou na parte de elaboração do filme (percebesse isto no filme), além de retratar o que muitos vão ver como guia de elaboração de filmes sobre maníacos sanguinários. Um Filme que trás um humor negro ao fundo e uma história marcante, com um final surpreendente. Uma boa dica assista ao filme e aos créditos, pois há uma surpresa nele, e curta o grande clássico Psycho Killer da banda Talking Heads.

Episode 9 of 2009! LIVE with Sean Scott (Smart Parts) & Jayson Neilson (SPPL)

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Special Thanks to:

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This weeks The BunkerPB.com Question of the Week: “Should we show the footage from last weeks show?”

Call thebunkerpb.com Hotline number: (626)593-5472 or Skype for FREE to: PbLive

THE SACPAINTBALL.COM NEWS!: http://www.sacpaintball.com

#1 Industry-Wide ban of Monster Balls? from Tech PB

#2 PSP Webcast available: http://www.sacpaintball.com/forum/showthread.php?t=38801

#3 OK D-Day Pre-Reg Contest: http://www.sacpaintball.com/forum/showthread.php?t=38788

#4 Blues Crew to provide refreshments at Living Legends II: http://www.sacpaintball.com/forum/showthread.php?t=38672

#5 RPL Bakersfield Schedule Change http://www.sacpaintball.com/forum/showthread.php?t=38664

#6 Skirmish on the Travel Channel: http://www.sacpaintball.com/forum/showthread.php?t=38700

#7 USPL Referee Auditions: http://www.sacpaintball.com/forum/showthread.php?t=38714

#8 BT Gun Giveaway! http://www.btpaintball.com

#9 Make it to Sunday Clone Wars game at Camp Pendleton: http://www.makeittosunday.com/Clonewarspaintball

#10 USPL bought the NPPL name and MIGHT USE IT TOO? http://www.sacpaintball.com/forum/showthread.php?t=38804

Guest #1

Sean Scott (Smart Parts & Living Legends II) http://www.smartparts.com/

Sean gives us a quick history of Smart Parts, the Smart Corps, photoshopping fun and the many hats he wears on a daily basis. OTHER TOPICS INCLUDE: Robotic soft-serve paintball robots, Made in the USA, having FUN playing and working in paintball, Billy Ball, Living Legends II, the circular path back to the woods ball, Camping? Pshaw! RTM TP FTW! Facebook > MySpace.

Gamer Tag: “Sean SmartParts” Facebook page: “Sean Scott”,

Living Legends Game: http://www.s276926827.onlinehome.us/Living_Legends_of_Paintball/2009.html

Guest #2:

Jayson Neilson (SPPL) http://www.playsppl.com/

We got Jayson on the phone for some great discussions about the beginning for SPPL, the difficulties of getting ten people together to play with, the changes in the sport, competition between producers, upcoming SPPL events, changes in the future, (hypothetically and off the record) why they’re not in SoCal, the other woods-themed events out today.

Chat Viewer Shout Outs!

http://www.makeittosunday.com/culture/videos

http://blackeaglesquadron.com/

http://www.deltapaintball.com/

http://www.oapaintball.com/scenario.shtml

http://nerdbunker.com/

http://www.teambttb.org

http://www.caltrop-guerrillas.com

RyantheMighty Style Report:

Our Paintball God was wearing a White Sterling Paintball T, sporting his Awesome Elvis Sideburns! If you are a fellow RyantheMighty stalker, shoot an email to Info@pblive.tv

Would you like to contribute to the show or do you have an idea for a segment? Drop us an email at info@pblive.tv or Skype for FREE to: Pblive.

Would you like to Spotlight your team? Field Reporter LJ is looking for a few good teams to spot light, drop him a line at lj@pblive.tv for more information!

Reviewed by: Anthony J. Nocella, II
Republished from www.politicalmediareview.org

Behind the Mask, a production of Uncaged Films and ARME directed and produced by Shannon Keith, is an outstanding and thought provoking documentary about the Animal Liberation Front (ALF). Winner of numerous awards, the seventy-two minute investigative film weaves together interviews with some of the leading figures in the animal liberation movement with undercover footage of animals in laboratories, as well as being liberated and in loving sanctuaries. Throughout the film Keith interviews Ingrid Newkirk, co-founder of People for the Treatment of Animals; Dr. Steve Best, professor at the University of Texas El Paso; Ronnie Lee, founder of the Animal Liberation Front; Rod Coronado, former member of the Animal Liberation Front; Keith Mann, former member of the Animal Liberation Front in England; John Feldman, singer for the popular band Goldfinger; Jerry Vlasak, doctor in Los Angeles and member of the North American Animal Liberation Press Office; Paul Watson, founder of Sea Shepherd Conservation Society; Chris Derose, founder of Last Chance for Animals, an animal cruelty investigation nonprofit, and many others.

The films subtitle: “The story of the people who risk everything to save animals,” is nothing but the truth. For more than thirty years the organization has been freeing nonhuman animals around the world and destroying property that causes harm to those animals totaling up in the hundreds of millions of dollars of “damage.” As the film explains, the ALF has been identified by the FBI as the number one domestic threat in the U.S. despite the fact that they are against harming any living creature human or nonhuman, and have not harmed anyone since becoming established in the mid-1970s.

It is extremely important to have such a comprehensive documentary on the ALF because they, as controversial as the Zapatistas, Black Panther Party, American Indian Movement, and the Weather Underground, have not seen much attention within the social justice movement and that which they have received has been massive repression by law enforcement around the world. Although not as sensational, and produced with much less funding than documentaries such as The Weather Underground which social justice activists have shown repeatedly at schools, community centers, and activist meetings and conferences, Behind the Mask should be valued and utilized the same way. Unfortunately it has not been for two reasons: first because the film stresses the value and respect for nonhuman animals and not simply humans, and second, it is not a historical film but rather it is speaking about extremists today.

People often say that if they were back in the sixties they would be marching with Martin Luther King Jr. and supporting Malcolm X, or they would join the Weather Underground, as today members of the Weather Underground and Black Panther Party are respected professors at top universities. This film challenges the viewer to recognize that the animal liberation movement and ALF are the imperative revolutionary groups for today’s society, and to take action to support them.

This is an extraordinary and captivating film that should be watched by anyone that believes that animal rights is a terrorist movement, who eats meat, or who just wants to understand what the ALF is about. It is perfect to show at activist conferences and meetings, as well as college courses in the field of environmental sociology, criminology, philosophy, peace and conflict studies, and environmental education.

In terms of driving, this article is scary. I certainly can relate to it. I got ticked off when I read, “What’s more, Ontario does not pay family doctors extra to do the lengthy assessments that determine if a senior is fit to drive.” It makes me wonder how many seniors are driving here in the US who probably shouldn’t be. It’s a tough call for all. Taking away someone’s driving privileges is a real blow to the senior!

Better diagnosis vital for seniors with dementia

By Pauline Tam, Ottawa Citizen January 27, 2009 OTTAWA —

Doctors’ failure to detect and to treat dementia in many seniors has thousands of them driving when they shouldn’t be, says Dr. William Dalziel, chief of the Regional Geriatric Program of Eastern Ontario. At a meeting Tuesday of the Alzheimer Society of Ottawa and Renfrew County, Dalziel warned that in Ottawa alone, about 10,000 seniors have been diagnosed with dementia, but that number could reach 50,000 over the next two decades. Estimates suggest 100,000 elderly Ontarians with dementia — or about two per cent of the province’s seniors — are on the road even though they may be unfit to drive. In Ottawa, 2,500 elderly drivers have some form of dementia, he said. The problem persists because family doctors either are not trained to spot the warning signs, or are reluctant to report their patients to licensing authorities, said Dalziel. What’s more, Ontario does not pay family doctors extra to do the lengthy assessments that determine if a senior is fit to drive. “Just a diagnosis of dementia doesn’t mean someone can’t drive. You have to look at the disabilities they have related to that,” said Dalziel. “We need to equip physicians with the tools to decide if someone with dementia is safe or unsafe. And then we need to pay them properly to do that.” Often, seniors with dementia are diagnosed only after they reach the advanced stages, making it more difficult for them to be treated, he added. This also increases their chances of developing other illnesses or injuries that can land them in a hospital or nursing home, which can be a financial drain on families and on the health-care system, said Dalziel. He advocates the creation of more screening programs that would catch such warning signs as memory loss, changes in mood and behaviour and apathy. Treating risk factors such as high-blood pressure, depression and stroke also would slow the onset of dementia. “If you’re trying to get a middle-aged man to take his pills for hypertension, you don’t talk to him about a heart attack because he thinks he’s invincible,” said Dalziel. “Talk to him about dementia and you’re probably going to get a lot more (compliance).” Meantime, a new screening program is being launched in Eastern Ontario this month that will teach pharmacists how to spot seniors who may be at high risk of developing dementia. For example, it alerts pharmacists to watch for customers who purchase dosettes or pill organizers that remind people to take their medications daily. It then directs pharmacists to offer those customers a standardized memory test and to notify their family doctors should warning signs of dementia emerge. “There’s a bunch of red flags that health professionals, if they’re awake and alert and think of them, could easily utilize to recognize someone who is at greater risk,” said Dalziel, architect of the screening program. “The purchase of a dosette should come with memory screening because if someone is having trouble taking their medication, maybe they have memory troubles.” The program, expected to be tested at a half-dozen pharmacies across Eastern Ontario, is part of a broader regional effort to improve the detection of dementia. Another program being rolled out next month trains nurses working in community health centres and family health teams to assess elderly patients for signs of dementia, before being treated by a physician.

Well, now. Let’s go back to the Fast Food puzzle from last week — Burger, fries, small drink and cookie. The answer is $2.75.

• If a burger and fries cost $3.50, and a small drink and cookie cost $2.25, then all four cost a total of $5.00. Take away the fries and small drink, which cost $2.25, and the remaining burger and cookie cost $2.75.

I made it a whole lot harder that it needed to be. I resorted to algebra and still didn’t get it correct. I came up with $2.85. Maybe I subtracted wrong. When I think that I minored in math in college, I couldn’t  believe that I couldn’t even do the simple algebra. Shameful. But I guess it’s a reminder that the brain is challenged these days. I think I need to get back to those logic puzzles again. They seem to help me the most—they actually make me feel smarter.

Congratulations to these great folks for solving it correctly! In order of posting are:

1. Willa
2. Laura
3. Kat
4. Lynn M.
5. Pam
6. Lynn
7. Raquel
8. Freda

I hope I didn’t forget anyone. Ladies, check for your email on how to receive your gift!!

Wasn’t able to get a post out yesterday. I got up early, but for some reason just couldn’t pull it together to concentrate on writing.

Some humor —

“Good morning,” I said to a coworker in the parking lot. She mumbled something back and continued to the front door, distracted. As we walked, I couldn’t help but notice that she was muttering to herself: “It pays the bills, it pays the bills, it pays the bills…”

Blogging to do list:

• Post my sarcastic thoughts
• Post on delusions and hallucinations
• Do book review on “Could it be Dementia“
• Do book review on “Behind the Mask“
• Do book review on “Living with Lewys“

This is the 28th day of the year, with 337 days remaining in 2009.

Fact of the Day: pancake

The oldest surviving pancake recipe in the English language dates from the 15th century. It describes a thin flat cake of batter, fried on both sides in a pan and usually served either flat or with several stacked. Blin (as in blini and blintze) is Russian for ‘pancake’ and blintz(e) is from Russian blinets ‘little pancake.’ Cake itself first meant ’small flat bread roll baked on both sides by being turned – as in pancake.

Warmly………David

“Jeder meint wir wachen eines Morgens auf und sind von einem Mädchen besessen. Stellen ihm nach und bringen jeden um der uns in die Quere kommt.”
- “Ja, das scheint bei Ihresgleichen oft so abzulaufen!”

Jason Voorhees, Michael Myers, Freddy Krueger – das sind die Helden von Leslie Vernon. In seiner Welt sind ihre Taten real und sie sind keine Filmfiguren. Er möchte in ihre Fußstapfen treten und erlaubt einem Fernsehteam, ihn bei den Vorbereitungen hierzu zu begleiten…

1992 erschien der Film “Mann beißt Hund“. In diesem lässt sich der Serienkiller Ben von einem Reporterteam bei seinen Morden begleiten. Diese werden im Laufe des Films zu Mittätern, in dem sie Ben bei seiner Arbeit unterstützen. Der Film ist dabei exrem brutal und voller schwarzen Humor, ohne dabei lächerlich zu sein. Im Gegenteil: Durch die Realitätsnähe wirkt er umso erschreckender und erinnert teilweise an so manche Reportage im heutigen Fernsehprogramm. “Behind The Mask” erinnert teilweise an diesen Film, ohne dabei je diese Brutalität zu zelebrieren.

Ganz im Gegenteil, ist “Behind The Mask” zu Beginn sogar sehr witzig. Man muss sich das einfach mal vorstellen: Anstatt, wie in einem typischen Slasher, die Geschichte aus der Perspektive der Opfer zu erleben, sieht man sie hier aus Sicht des Killers. Mehr noch, er erklärt uns detailliert sein Vorgehen, seine Vorbereitungen. Das er so nebenbei noch das Genre des Slashers analysiert und die typischen Klischees und Mechanismen demontiert, ist sehr spaßig. So erklärt uns Leslie beispielsweise, wie anstrengend es doch ist, dabei Schritt zu halten, wenn die Opfer schreiend weglaufen – man aber selber nur bedrohlich langsam gehen darf. Das erfordert eine Menge Kondition und Training, erklärt er uns. So geht das die ganze Zeit, alle genretypischen Bestandteile der Slasher werden hier zitiert und müssen dementsprechend von Leslie beachtet werden – und der Zuschauer hat seinen Spaß. A propos zitiert: Das in der Welt dieses Films die uns bekannten Slasher keine Filme sind, sondern tatsächliche Ereignisse, ist eine geniale Idee. So erklärt Leslie, was er in den vergangenen Jahren gemacht hat (allerdings nur in den Deleted Scenes auf der DVD): “Ich war eine Zeit in Texas, hab einem Freund… geholfen. Er wollte sich neu erfinden.”. Und wenn dann noch Robert England als Dr. Loomis-Verschnitt auftaucht, hat man seine zehn Punkte eigentlich schon vergeben. Eigentlich.

Denn leider vergibt der Film sein gesamtes Potenzial im letzten Drittel, wenn die “Kameras aus” sind. Der komplette Mockumentary-Stil ist vorbei, die Genrezitate, der Spaß – denn hier wird der Film leider zu dem, was er die ganze Zeit im Vorfeld zitiert hat: Ein typischer Slasher. Das ist wirklich verdammt schade – warum hat man dies nicht bis zum Ende durchgezogen? Um noch einmal auf das Beispiel “Man Bites Dog” zurück zu kommen: Hier hat es doch auch funkioniert, einen ähnlichen Ablauf hätte ich diesem Film auch gewünscht. Doch so hat man leider am Ende das Gefühl, zwei Filme gesehen zu haben. Hätte “Behind The Mask” nicht diese starke Einleitung, bliebe nur der Slasherteil übrig, der, für sich betrachtet, ebenso vorhersehbar ist wie manch Genrekollegen. Doch “dank” Leslies” Erklärungen im Vorfeld fällt dies noch mehr ins Gewicht und wird so spannungsarm. Hier fehlte mir tatsächlich die große Wendung, in der der Film sagt: “Hier, damit haste nicht gerechnet oder?”. Würde der Film nicht die zuvor aufgestellten Regeln selber so sklavisch einhalten, wäre das ein echter Gewinn gewesen.

“Behind The Mask”, dass muss man wohl dazu sagen, ist am meisten Leuten ans Herz zu legen, die dem Slasher-Film nicht abgeneigt sind. Man sollte schon den einen oder anderen Klassiker kennen, um mit diesem Film richtig Spaß zu haben. Alle anderen werden das zwar auch haben, aber mit Sicherheit nicht jede Anspielung verstehen.

Dieser Film könnte Euch gefallen, wenn ihr folgendes mögt:
“Scream”, “All The Boys Love Mandy Lane“, “Halloween”

I wanted to party a little on Christmas Eve Eve! So I am inviting homies over for Mediocre Movie Night/Beer/Various Small Food Items/Awesome Time. But I did not want to just choice one of my favorite films or pick a random film so I decided I would let the visitors to my blog choice. All the people I am inviting will be allowed to vote.

Krull

Dead and Breakfast

Equilibrium

Texas Chainsaw Massacre Part 2

Phantoms

Return of the Living Dead

Behind the Mask

Black Christmas

Dance of the Dead

Man Bites Dog

after a potluck dinner with friends, jess and i spent the rest of the evening on thanksgiving watching, “behind the mask”, a documentary about the ALF (animal liberation front), and why people risk their lives to save the lives of animals imprisoned in vivisection labs, fur farms, etc.  a fitting time to watch such a film, on a night when turkeys were being carved at tables across the U.S. en masse.  i would recommend the film to everyone.

in my experience as a vegan, the vast majority of animal rights and vegan discussions revolve around food choices. i know there are myriad reasons why people eat animals – it’s a nuanced issue, steeped in cultural traditions, geographical limitations, and plain old habit, to name a few. but to me, the defining characteristic of veganism goes beyond simply not eating animals, or even any animal by-products – to me, veganism is a consciousness that extends compassion to all lifeforms, making choices that minimize suffering and cruelty in all animals and humans, and leaving the least impact on the world around us.

while food is a constant in our everyday lives, so too are millions of other products that we use on a daily basis, which often contain animal-derived ingredients, or were tested on animals in vivisection laboratories.  countless dogs, rabbits, chimpanzees, cats, mice, and so many other animals are tortured – yes, TORTURED – every day in universities and corporate labs – on the false premise that we NEED to sacrifice animals for the sake of ’scientific progress’.  the truth is that these tests are not only inhumane and cruel; they are also irrelevant and outdated, which makes them all the more horrific.  millions of animals are tortured and killed every year for nothing.

but, it’s not for nothing, really – it’s for profit.  the truth is that animal experimentation is simply a giant business, complete with the false advertising necessary to keep the public consuming more and more products which they are brain-washed into believing are a) necessary, and b) the results of required animal sacrifice.

as an anti-capitalist, i resent the fact that “organic”, “natural”, “cruelty-free”, “not tested on animals” products are just another (rapidly growing) market.  the point is not to just replace all the bad products with “friendlier” versions – we simply don’t need the vast majority of products that are being manufactured.  it’s all just a capitalist conspiracy – the propaganda of “choice”.  when the truth is that all those choices (i.e. entire store aisles of shampoo, etc.) are the causes of deforestation, oil wars, animal experimentation, child and sweatshop labor, worker exploitation, overflowing landfills, obesity, disease, financial debt, stress, and depression… which in turn lead people to MORE PRODUCTS!

and this is all just talking about things we think we “need” – healthcare products, pharmaceuticals, homecleaning supplies; not to mention all the crap we simply do not need – such as the christmas gifts i can imagine were so important to the hordes of “black friday” shoppers this morning, that they trampled a wal-mart employee to DEATH in order to buy.

it’s all incredibly overwhelming – everywhere we turn there is another reason why the thing we just bought/ate/entertained ourselves with is “wrong”.  there are so many injustices happening in our world, hopelessness is an epidemic in our society.  i’d like to think that the hordes of “apathetic” individuals are really just overwhelmed and think that there’s no way they can do anything “right”, so they gave up trying.  it gives me personally more hope to think that’s the reason our society is letting these atrocities continue – rather than that people just don’t care.

so what can we do?

everyone doesn’t need to immediately become “vegan”, if they’re not prone to sticking with new commitments or changing their habits; it’s more about increasing awareness and reducing consumption, little by little, as fast or as slow as they are willing.  unfortunately in our world today, it’s impossible not to use/consume anything that has an adverse effect on animals, people, and our planet, because everything we manufacture uses resources to acquire, create, package, and/or ship the damn thing to the market.  so it’s first and foremost all about reducing the number of things we use.  rethinking what we really need/want.  is this product i want really worth everything it took to make it possible for me to have it?

and secondly, when we are going to buy things new, it’s about using all those choices wisely.  it’s really not that hard to spend a second to check the label for “cruelty-free”, or “not tested on animals”.  since, alas, we still live under capitalism, boycotting companies who use animal experimentation and other bad manufacturing processes is still one good way to vote against these practices (and simply buying fewer products overall/spending less money in the market is another form of boycott).

and another important way to demand an end to cruel practices, is through nonviolent direct action and civil disobedience – directly confronting the powers that propagate injustice, and/or stopping the injustice whenever and wherever possible.  when it comes to animal rights, this is where the ALF comes in – and “behind the mask” does an excellent job of explaining why direct action is necessary to end cruelty to animals.

changing societal norms is a long process, which we have seen over and over again throughout the centuries:  overturning feudalism, slavery, gaining voting rights, civil rights, etc.  none of these injustices were reversed due to letter-writing campaigns.  it takes people willing to break unjust laws in order to expose how unjust the laws are, in order to change enough people’s minds and change the laws/practices.  the people who are brave enough to take the risks for these causes, are such a threat to the dominant paradigm, that the government labels them terrorists, and vilifies their image in the mainstream’s eyes.  this happens in every movement – in an attempt to prevent the public from actually listening to the truth.

those who can’t/or are not willing to take action themselves, have a responsibility to at least support those that can/do take action, and actively resist the “terrorist” propaganda campaigns that the corporations and government tout against activists.  as the film quoted JFK, “those who make peaceful revolution impossible will make violent revolution inevitable.

a few books and resources:

animal liberation by peter singer

eternal treblinka by charles patterson

making a killing by bob torres

the sexual politics of meat by carol adams

fast food nation by eric schlosser

ALF – animal liberation front website

green is the new red

I have mentioned it before but Samantha and I tend to have a weird taste in movies. But this is the first movie that she actually recommended that I loved!! I know so far my movie reviews have basicly sucked. For me movies either SUCK or RULE. There usually isn’t much grey area for me. 

Well this movie Rules! I would give it a 5 out of 5 stars! It is a foreign film so it does involve some reading but for most people that is not a problem unless your 3. And if you are 3 then this is not the movie for you because it is actually one of the more violent films I have ever seen in my life. The scenes of violence and murder are very real and the black and white film just makes it seem that much more dark. This movie for sure inspired other films that rock with a similar plots like Behind the Mask, and The Blair Witch. Man Bites Dog is about a likable serial killer who is being followed by a documentary film crew. But it really is the way you and the film crew sort of fall for Ben (the serial killer) he is an amazing character that you cheer for. This movie is a must see for all people who love horror! The movie has the perfect mix of laughter, horror, murder, and awkward moments that make you want to look away. I do not want to send this movie back to Netflix! I need it for Christmas!!

Make sure you check out a hottie that has better reviews then me…..http://lostinreno.wordpress.com/2008/11/27/movies-4/

Today I am reading and reviewing books on Alzheimer’s disease, Lewy Body Dementia (LBD) and all other types of dementia.

I’m currently reading “Life in the Balance” by Thomas Graboys, MD. Although it is not a thick book, I am having difficulty reading it. Not because I can’t concentrate on it. Maybe because of the emotions it is invoking in me. My feelings range between anger, pity, empathy, sorrow, sadness and respect. None of these really stand out. But they are there nonetheless. It is one of those books that I can only digest a few pages at a time and then I need to put it down. I will figure those feelings out though. I certainly has taken courage for Dr. Graboys to speak out so graphically and profoundly. Keep it up, Dr. Graboys!

Could it be Dementia?

What a pleasant surprise! I received a complimentary copy of the book “Could it be Dementia“? authored by Louise Morse and Roger Hitchings. I’ve only perused it briefly but it promises to be a practical yet powerful book which offers hope for those affected by dementia. The reviews look spectacular! This book insists that losing your mind doesn’t mean losing your soul. “Perhaps the greatest encouragement, for residents and carers alike, is seeing the Holy Spirit at work in His people,” say Louise and Roger. “In a worship meeting, someone who normally does not speak will unexpectedly pray the most cogent, appropriate prayer. In countless other ways the Holy Spirit is seen to be present with God’s precious ‘aged pilgrims’.” This book offers information and reassurance gleaned from the extensive experience of Pilgrim Homes, a foundation going back to 1807 that has helped and cared for thousands of elderly people.

Another sighting is from Helene Moore who wrote “Behind the Mask.” It is just another of many books which I’ve come across online which seem invaluable for readers. Now it’s a matter of finding the time to read them all!

Behind the Mask

              Warmly,

              David