November 2008
CIGARETTE BURNS
SHOWS US THE FUTURE OF FILMS.
By ErynTheDamned
Director: - John Carpenter
Written By: - Drew McWeeny & Scott Swan
Music: - Cody Carpenter
Film Editor: - Patrick McMahon
Starring: - Norman Reedus
Udo Kier
Running time: - 60 minutes
Rated R18+
‘Cigarette Burns’, Directed by the legendary John Carpenter, follows the efforts of Kirby Sweetman (played by Norman Reedus) to track down Hans Bachovik’s infamous and extremely rare film ‘Le Fin Absolue De Monde(the absolute end of the world)’, of which only one copy was ever made. He was commissioned by an eccentric collector(Udo Kier) who would stop at nothing and pay any price to see the deadly film. Presumed to either be lost or destroyed, the film has the reputation of causing the death or insanity of anyone who watches it and those who survive become completely consumed by the power of ‘Le Fin Absolue De Monde’.
At the beginning of his search, Kirby is skeptical of the rumored power of the film, but as he draws closer to finding it, he discovers that the film’s reputation is not only deserved but that ‘La Fin Absolue De Monde’ is far more sinister than it is given credit for. He becomes obsessed with it and begins to see terrifying visions of his girlfriend who had committed suicide. Just before he has the visions, he sees a ‘cigarette burn’, the small hole that signals where a reel of film ends and the next begins. As he draws closer to the film, his visions become worse and he realizes he doesn’t have to watch it to be affected by it. When he visits Kartja Bachovik, Hans Bachovik’s wife, he discovers that Hans had committed suicide after trying to kill her. She gave Kirby the film and told him not to watch it. By this point, Kirby has no desire to see it. He is too afraid. By some tragic and unforeseen circumstances, Kirby watches ‘Le Fin Absolue De Monde’ and subsequently kills himself.
Expertly crafted, this movie is a must-see for John Carpenter fans and horror fans alike. It eloquently avoids touching on areas it cannot explain, giving a full viewing experience, whilst still being intriguing, leaving the viewer practically bursting with questions at its dramatic conclusion.
Compared with other horror flicks or thrillers, this film definitely holds it’s own within the genres. In today’s world, where violence and blood are seen regularly on the television, both in real life news coverage and in movies, it is the writers and directors of the horror and thriller genres that struggle to make films with an outstanding level of shock value.
From the very begging of this movie, one is intrigued by the mystery surrounding ‘La Fin Absolue De Monde’. It draws one into the search for the rare print and at the same time repels one from wanting to get too close. The sinister nature of the film is scary in itself and provides that thrill factor all on its own. Combined with the unfolding of events such as Kirby’s run in with a snuff director, it creates an atmosphere that makes one uncomfortable to be in a world where such evil forces are so prevalent, but some how makes the viewer wish and hope that ‘Le Fin Absolue De Monde’ actually exists. Detail into certain areas within this film was deliberately avoided and one can see why. It would be opening up a whole new can of worms, which would be difficult to express within the short space provided in film making. Perhaps these areas, in particular, the origin of the Willowy Being, will be explored in later instalments, but their omission from ‘Cigarette Burns’ does not detract away from its quality.
The film is an insight into the human psyche and dares us to look deep within ourselves to see what most haunts us. It dwells on the assumption that everyone has something so horrific or terrifying within him or her, that to cause it to surface would be fatal. That the emotions we have inside are so strong, that to bring them out and experience the full brunt would be powerful enough to cause total carnage. This idea is not revolutionary in itself, but definitely a first in film. The idea that the emotions we contain within ourselves could be so potentially devastating when unleashed in the real world is both humbling and frightening.
Seeing and understanding ‘Cigarette Burns’ is an experience that is both thought provoking and inspirational. It shows a whole new era in film that is still in its baby years. Psychological and horror are not words we see used often in the same phrase, but when describing ‘Cigarette Burns’ it is the most fitting categorisation. It begins to reveal a truly frightening concept for the film industry. When a film frightens us, it affects us mentally. But what would happen to the viewer if the images and ideas they have drawn from the film were so scaring, they can never be erased?
John Carpenter has always had the reputation of creating awesome movies and his films still command an almost cult status amongst the horror genre. Whilst many of his works have been deplored by film critics in the past, just as credit was given to Hans Bachovik for creating, ‘La Fin Absolue De Monde’, so to must credit be given to John Carpenter for ‘Cigarette Burns’. It definitely acts to boost his credibility as an awesome horror director. Overall, an excellent film and must see for fans of horror. It truly is the strong beginnings of what is sure to be a new and frightening era for the horror flick.
To watch the whole movie for free, click HERE.
Joe Black
By Psychonomaly
Drawing influence from such artists as Evanescence, Gogol Bordello, Oingo Boingo, and Marylin Manson, Mister Joe Black, "pianist, accordionist and abuser of vocal chords", performs with his band throughout the United Kingdom and offers music lessons from his home in Portsmouth. With their vaudevillian theatrics and macabre vocals, they sound something like a cross between Tom Waits and the Dresden Dolls in the long-awaited album, The Bible of the Waltzing Cynic, released in August '08. When he's not singing or writing music, Joe Black is part of a burlesque comedy duo, featuring Dolly Divine, called The Macabret
Tracklisting:
1. the waltzing cynic
2. house of bones
3. puppet boy
4. child poison
5. the cuckoo clock song
6. the worst day in the world
7. slap goes the weasel: a love story
8. child catcher
9. spider to the fly
10. the dream song
11. belly of a snake
12. train
13. the best day in the world
