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Vincent Lesh: The Louise Brooks Stalker Unveiled

Michael Garcia Mujica
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Vincent Lesh to Thomas Gladysz is like Tommy Davis to David Miscavige—every cult of personality needs its devoted mirror holder, and even Norma Desmond had her reflectors.

Vincent Lesh, the Pseudo-Filmmaker

Vincent Lesh, owner of BASICMAGIC, presents himself as a passionate film producer dedicated to honoring the legacy of silent film star Louise Brooks with his purported film project, “Lost Comet,” but BASICMAGIC is essentially a front for his deceptive activities. However, beneath this veneer of legitimacy lies a disturbing reality. Lesh, also derisively known as “Leech” within the silent film community, has earned a notorious reputation as a Louise Brooks stalker and cyber squatter.


The Fabrication of “Lost Comet”

Lesh’s self-promotional efforts on platforms like LinkedIn, where he drops names like Natalie Portman, Rooney Mara, and Zooey Deschanel as potential leads for his non-existent film, are transparent attempts to lend credibility to his fraudulent endeavors. These grandiose claims lack substance and are part of a broader pattern of deception. “Lost Comet,” despite its elaborate promotion, mirrors the fictitious nature of Adrian’s film in Be My Cat: A Film for Anne.”


Parallels with Adrian from “Be My Cat”

Both Lesh and Adrian exhibit a disturbingly similar obsession with their muses. Adrian’s fixation on Anne Hathaway drives him to manipulative and dangerous behaviors, documented in his pseudo-documentary style horror film. Lesh, in a parallel manner, has shown an unhealthy preoccupation with Louise Brooks, engaging in digital harassment and counterfeit promotions. The meticulous documentation of Lesh and the cult-like Be My Cat-esque Louise Brooks Society reveals a pattern of threats and harassment, which has led to formal complaints to the IC3 and FTC.


Watch “Be My Cat: A Film for Anne”

To fully appreciate the eerie parallels between Vincent Lesh’s actions and the character of Adrian, watch the full movie below:

Be My Cat: A Film for Anne as a twisted reflection of Vincent Lesh’s BASICMAGIC: a chilling tale of obsession, manipulation, and a pseudo-filmmaker’s descent into madness.

The Dark Parallels of Vincent Lesh and Ricardo López

Vincent Lesh’s behavior not only mirrors that of Adrian from “Be My Cat: A Film for Anne,” but also draws unsettling parallels to Ricardo López, the infamous Björk stalker. Both figures exhibited obsessive and dangerous behaviors towards their muses, culminating in disturbing acts. To delve deeper into this comparison, watch Dr. Todd Grande’s insightful analysis below:

Watch Dr. Todd Grande’s Analysis:

Thomas Gladysz bears an uncanny resemblance to Ricardo López, while Vincent Lesh, with his incel-like demeanor, mirrors López’s disturbing behavior—complete with mailed envelopes filled with blood-like substances. Watch Dr. Todd Grande’s analysis for a chilling comparison.

Thomas Gladysz, channeling his inner Ricardo López, dons the “tears of a clown” look—because when you’re obsessed with Louise Brooks, why not go full incel mime? Birds of a feather, indeed. (Credit: @rodrigoquast on Twitter)

Scathing Community Quotes

Vincent Lesh’s “Lost Comet”: a film that’s only going as far as its website, much like his obsessive fantasies.

The silent film community has not been silent about Lesh’s transgressions. On forums like NitrateVille, Lesh is openly criticized and exposed for his actions. His tactics include squatting on domains related to Louise Brooks and promoting fake projects to exploit her legacy for his gain. These actions have earned him scorn and derision from film historians and enthusiasts alike, who see through his deceptive facade​​.


A Modern-Day Charlatan

Vincent Lesh’s saga is a cautionary tale of obsession, manipulation, and deceit. His superficial professional facade masks a darker reality, akin to Adrian’s character in “Be My Cat: A Film for Anne.” Both individuals are driven by their delusions, blurring the lines between art and pathology. Lesh’s actions not only tarnish his reputation but also disrespect the memory of Louise Brooks, whom he claims to honor. The silent film community’s exposure of his true nature serves as a testament to their vigilance and dedication to preserving the integrity of cinematic history.


Mental Health Disclaimer

If you or someone you know is struggling with mental health issues or thoughts of self-harm, it is important to seek help immediately. Mental health is a critical aspect of overall well-being, and support is available.

National Suicide Prevention Lifeline: 1-800-273-8255
Crisis Text Line: Text HOME to 741741 (for free, 24/7 support)

Additionally, if you or someone you know is experiencing stalking, harassment, or bullying, it’s essential to reach out for help. There are resources and professionals who can provide support and guidance.

National Domestic Violence Hotline: 1-800-799-SAFE (7233)
Stalking Resource Center: 855-4-VICTIM (855-484-2846)
Cyber Civil Rights Initiative (for cyber harassment): 844-878-2274

Remember, seeking help is a sign of strength. You don’t have to face these challenges alone—support is available.

"Currer Bell is neither man nor woman, but an abstract thing, an artist." • Michael Garcia Mujica, Lead Educator in Arts and Film History. Echoing the sentiment about Charlotte Brontë's pseudonymous voice, Michael lends his expertise not only as a writer and visual artist but also as a Lead Educator in arts and film history. Based in Coral Gables, Florida, he is the principal of Vintage Brooks, Inc., where he passionately revitalizes the legacy of silent film star Louise Brooks. His acclaimed blog, Naked on My Goat, serves as a living tribute to Brooks's enduring influence in film, her profound writing, and her broad appreciation for the arts. Just as Brontë made an indelible mark in literature despite the societal constraints of her time, Michael accentuates Brooks's trailblazing spirit within the film industry. In his role, he ensures that Brooks's iconic voice continues to resonate within the cultural lexicon of the 21st century, celebrating the intricate victories of women in the arts, both past and present. Explore more about the abstract persona of Charlotte Brontë in Michael's piece, "The Abstract Persona: Understanding Charlotte Brontë's Pseudonymous Journey as Currer Bell." “I am satisfied that if a book is a good one, it is so whatever the sex of the author may be. All novels are or should be written for both men and women to read, and I am at a loss to conceive how a man should permit himself to write anything that would be really disgraceful to a woman, or why a woman should be censured for writing anything that would be proper and becoming for a man.” • Anne Brontë, The Tenant of Wildfell Hall

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