1. Behind The Mask: The Rise of Leslie Vernon
Behind the Mask is a relatively unknown film and this is a crying shame. The film starts as a documentary following a man who is inspired by the likes of Michael Myers, Freddy Krueger and Jason Voorhees. The college film crew interviews and observes the creation of the back story and abilities of soon to be unleashed on the world, the killer, Leslie Vernon. From the scary door slam to corner of your eye disappearing trick this film breaks down how each act is performed and is essentially a how to guide for people wanting to kill off a load of sexy students. Even down to the art of picking your party of friends to torment is explained; you need your virgin girl who has the opportunity to become the hero, you need your jocks to put up a fight and you need the stoners as easy canon fodder to get the party started. The reason this film is a must watch is down to the presentation and the world. This is a world where Elm Street and Crystal Lakes exist and goes someway to explaining how these monsters do it, physically not mentally, but it also explains the psychology of these horror films themselves. From the phallic weapon the heroine chooses to the running down a corridor is a symbol of rebirth. Admittedly it sometimes comes across like a film graduate over explaining everything to you but it's still fun. The twist where it all becomes too real near the end makes for a fascinating watch. This film is so inward looking it feels like you are having a blindfold pulled away for all future horror films you watch, but it has dared to turn the Mockumentary into something watchable and educational. Any meta-horrors you know of that we might have missed? Let us know in the comments box below...