Masters of Horror: Cigarette Burns
 Rufus  rates it:    Community rates it: (no ratings yet)
   179 of 371 readers found this review helpful.

Mick Garris is simply a genius. Why it took so long for a series like this to come to fruition is beyond me. When MASTERS OF HORROR was first announced, I honestly thought about getting Showtime just for the series. Having to choose between my late night Skinemax flicks and the series though, I had to go with the Kleenex by the bed. Now for all the sad, lonely people like me, each episode of MASTER OF HORROR is coming out on DVD. And what DVDs they are!

The first episode on DVD is John Carpenter’s CIGARETTE BURNS. After watching this short movie, I forgot all about GHOSTS OF MARS, because Carpenter is back in full form.

A rich, eccentric film collector, Mr. Ballinger, (perfectly cast Udo Keir) is looking for a movie that he must have for his collection. The film, La Fin Absolue du Monde (The Absolute End of the World) has had only one showing, and ended with the audience turning to madness and mayhem. After this the film became infamous, and was thought to be destroyed. Enter Kirby Sweetman (BOONDOCK SAINTS’ Norman Reedus), a theater owner with his own demons. The one thing he does well is hunt down extremely rare films. He gets the job to hunt down this film that again is said that the only copy had been destroyed right after the first viewing. Ballinger knows that the film has not been destroyed, because he has one of the film’s cast on display in his mansion. If the film was destroyed, then the cast member would not exist, hence the print is still out there. Now on the search for the film, Sweetman encounters a mystery surrounding the film, it’s secrets, and the power that it truly holds.

CIGARETTE BURNS does not refer to something that your stepfather did to punish you, but the glitches in a film reel that let the projectionist know that another scene was about to start. On the trail of the lost film, Sweetman, or anyone close, will begin to experience these flashes, or cigarette burns, and find that time has elapsed or see visions of horror. The plot is part Roman Polanski’s THE NINTH GATE, and John Carpenter’s own IN THE MOUTH OF MADNESS. What is great about this movie, is the subtle hints of who and what the movie is, and also talks about what power films can truly have. This was a very smart script written by Drew McWeeny and Scott Swan, (while not truly original) and fits perfectly with Carpenter’s direction style. This film is atmospheric at times, then smacks you in the face with some intense carnage. Thinking back the carnage actually punches you in the face. Simply put, I loved this movie.

My only complaint with the film is that I would have loved for it to be longer. I know each episode of MASTERS OF HORROR, is an hour in length, but I could have kept watching the build up, and mystery slowly flesh out for another hour. The pacing works here, but in the hour format Sweetman seems to find the film way too quickly. It is mentioned that many have sought this film, only to never find it, yet all Sweetman has to do is ask the director’s widow. I guess the secret to obtaining this film is really just to say please. It also seemed odd, knowing the harm that this film could cause, that she would just give it up no problem. While this is a small complaint, it did stick in the back of my mind while watching this.

Let’s talk about the DVD itself. It is loaded. If you want to get to know John Carpenter, or are a fan, then this is a pure homage to him. There are featurettes, commentary, behind the scenes, trailers, still galleries, etc. In other words, Anchor Bay has come through again. The extras alone are worth the purchase of CIGARETTE BURNS, and they just happened to throw in a hell of a movie. I also have to say kudos to Anchor Bay packaging one of the best looking covers for a DVD that I have ever seen. The whole series is like this with the signature picture on the left, and a painting of the movie on the right. Stunning, really. Horror fans will be buying these episodes for the covers themselves, I guarantee it.

Overall if you are a fan of John Carpenter then this is a no brainer, but if not, then I still recommend a buy as a horror fan. While not an original plot per se, there is enough thought provoking dialogue, original ideas, gore money shots, and twists to still keep you on your toes. An easy 4 ½ can purchase.

Added:  Friday, March 17, 2006

Language: eng[ Did you find this review helpful?  Yes  No ]
[ Back to reviews index ]

Want to comment on this review?
Register here for a free user account, and you'll be able to.