The Humble Horror Origins of Jared Leto

Jared Leto is a household name in the entertainment industry. He's known for his work as an actor, musician, and director. While many people associate him with his roles in films like "Dallas Buyers Club" and "Blade Runner 2049," Leto's career actually started in the horror genre.

Leto's first major acting role was in the 1995 film "How to Make an American Quilt," but it was his performance in the 1998 horror film "Urban Legend" that put him on the map as an actor. In the film, Leto plays Paul, a college student who becomes the victim of a series of murders inspired by urban legends. Leto's performance in the film is notable for its intensity and vulnerability, as he portrays a character who is both terrified and determined to survive.

After "Urban Legend," Leto went on to star in several other horror films, including "American Psycho" and "Panic Room." In "American Psycho," Leto plays Paul Allen, a wealthy investment banker who becomes the target of the film's titular psychopath. Leto's performance in the film is memorable for its dark humour and the way he portrays Allen's arrogance and entitlement.

In "Panic Room," Leto plays Junior, a criminal who, along with his accomplices, breaks into a house looking for a hidden fortune. Leto's performance in the film is notable for its physicality and the way he portrays Junior's desperation and fear as the situation becomes more dangerous.

While Leto has gone on to work in a variety of genres, his early work in horror films helped establish him as an actor who was willing to take risks and tackle challenging roles. Leto's performances in these films also demonstrated his ability to bring depth and complexity to characters who might otherwise be one-dimensional.

In addition to his work as an actor, Leto has also explored horror themes in his music. As the frontman of the band Thirty Seconds to Mars, Leto has created music videos and albums that incorporate elements of horror, science fiction, and fantasy. The music video for the band's song "The Kill" is a tribute to Stanley Kubrick's "The Shining," while the album "This Is War" features songs that explore themes of violence and power.

Leto's horror origins have played a significant role in shaping his career as an actor and musician. His early work in horror films helped establish him as a versatile performer who could tackle challenging roles, while his exploration of horror themes in his music has allowed him to continue to push boundaries and explore new creative territory.