Nathan Baesel is no stranger to television, having roles in a handful of popular shows, with Invasion being the most notable. Nathan has crossed over to the big screen recently with a horror film called Behind the Mask: The Rise of Leslie Vernon -- a film that has been generating a lot of buzz in the genre from critics and fans. UHM's Dan speaks with Nathan about his start in the biz and reveals details on his character Leslie. Read on!
CONDUCTED BY: Dan AKA Master of Horror
EDITED BY: FrighT MasteR
ORIGINALLY POSTED ON: 3/19/07
Tell us how you got into acting.
I got into acting initially doing church plays with my brothers and sister. It was always comfortable for me. When I took my first acting class in high school it was a really good fit so I quit water polo and swimming in my senior year to do plays. When I decided to commit to it I went to UCLA and then Juilliard. Then I embarked on my career as an unemployed actor.
Who were some of your influences growing up?
Meryl Streep, Robert Duvall, Al Pacino, Harrison Ford-basically whenever I see anyone give a perfect performance I try to figure out how they did what they did so I can learn from their success. Likewise with directors. John Mc Tiernan, Milos Foreman, Steven Spielberg, Francis Ford Coppola, P.T. Anderson, Spike Lee. And vice versa I learn from failure so as not to make the same mistakes.
You actually had a long stint on the television show Invasion, tell us about that.
Invasion was the first recurring gig I ever had for a better role. Lewis Sirk started out a really small part that kept growing and I couldn't have asked allowing me to adjust slowly and comfortably. So when they started lobbing some real good pitches at me I was ready to swing. I got to represent amputees (Lewis lost his left arm in Iraq), I got to do underwater stunts, I got to work with Bill Fichtner, I got to work for Shaun Cassidy, I got to kiss a beautiful "teenage" girl. What more could I ask for?
Behind the Mask has received a lot of attention, why do you think that is?
I think BTM is reaching a lot of folks because there's a lot of ways in. Its funny, its scary, its smart, its stupid, its cheap, its flashy. Basically anyone who loves movies will find something that pulls them in even if they aren't horror fans. And if you're a horror fan you’re going to see your favorite films or slasher moments addressed so lovingly that you'll pump your fist and shout, "Right on!"
Talk to us about Leslie Vernon and who he is. 
Leslie is a regular guy. A guy you'd pass on the street and not think twice about. He's funny, endearing, quirky, and happens to be a stone-cold killer. He's about to launch himself into the upper echelons of the greatest psycho-slashers of all time and he wants a film crew to document his ascent. He gets some journalism students to follow him around as he reveals all of the tricks of the trade. Leslie intends to be the best there's ever been so he explodes all of the traditional methodology of Jason, Freddy, Mike Myers, Chucky. He shows how the leisurely paced stalker catches the frantically running victim. He discusses how to find the ideal group of jocks, stoners, cheerleaders, and survivor girls and the order in which to knock them off. And he does it all with an infectious glee that just might make you forget for a moment that his "work" is in taking lives. He has no reason to apologize for what he does because he believes he's universe. As his mentor Eugene (played brilliantly by Scott "In Cold Blood" providing a necessary balance to the Wilson) says, "In order for good to be pitted against evil you have to have
evil, don't you?"
How have the screenings and general response been for the film?
The response pretty much universally has been incredibly enthusiastic. Every review I've seen has read as if we paid them to write what they wrote. And the most exciting thing about the response has been that horror fans and non-horror fans alike have enjoyed it equally. Plus I've been truly gratified by the response to Leslie Vernon. I can't express how much fun I had working on the film and how much I learned in the process. I've watched it a few times now and I can honestly say that Satisfied because of the performance that comes across in the film. if I never had another acting job again I'd be
satisfied because of the performance that comes across in the film.
Can the role of Leslie be filled by just anybody or is Leslie a part of Nathan?
I think what really worked for me in portraying the character was the documentary style that we shot most of the movie in. That really allowed me to be myself. Leslie is me with a couple of tweaks here and there. Leslie Vernon is me. Don't tell my mother.
Is there a possibility of Leslie returning for a sequel?
If BTM makes money you can bet that work will begin on a second. Scott Glosserman (the director) has already been throwing ideas around for a sequel.
Do you have any advice for aspiring actors/actresses?
My advice for aspiring actors is: don't do it for money because 94% of the actors out there see neither. Do it because of self exploration and expression are what compels you. Do it because you want the gift fame and don't do it for to make your art a contribution to others. Do it because you love it. That way you can be equally fulfilled whether you're on Broadway or writing a one-person show to be performed for your friends in your parent’s garage.
Special thanks goes out to Nathan Baesel for the interview and my buddy Brian "Horror Pimp" Harris.
