Cigarette Burns

{{Cigarette burns refers to an out-dated film term where a small circle appears in two blips at the top-right-hand corner of the screen to indicate to the projectionist that the change-over of the next reel is approaching.}}



Suppose you heard of a film that was only ever shown once and when it was, it drove the audience to insanity & violence. It might be referred to as the 'Holy grail of horror cinema' Would you seek it out?

This is what movie programmer Kirby Sweetman (Norman Rhedus) must do for an eccentric collector named Ballinger (played by the living legend Udo Kier)who offers a handsome paycheck. In John Carpenter's "Cigarette Burns", Kirby must find a rare horror film titled "Le Fin Absolue du Monde" (The Absolute End of the World). As he begins his journey searching for the only known print in existence, he slowly begins to experience brief moments of horror in the form of cigarette burns that flash before his eyes. Already battling a troubled past, the closer he gets to finding the film, the more horrific the flashes become driving him closer to the brink.

"Cigarette Burns" is a return to thrilling horror. With Greg Nicotero serving as special makeup effects artist, John Carpenter brings a gory tale of the macabre to the screen in great form true to this genre.

This movie comes from a series where Showtime has amassed some of the greatest horror film writers and directors to bring to you an anthology series, "Masters of Horror". Some of the foremost names in the horror film genre have joined forces for this series consisting of 13 one-hour films.

Find out more here:

Masters of Horror

Cigarette Burns was a fantastic way for John Carpenter to participate in this awesome venture.

And for more from the Legendary John Carpenter visit:

The Official John Carpenter

One other fantastic note of interest is the fact the score for this film was done by Cody Carpenter. He is John Carpenter's son and at the age of 23, the "Cigarette Burns" score is his first full-length score. Kudos to Cody!!!

• Today's Cure song is Subway Song from the remasteredThree Imaginary Boys CD -({2004} -Original release date: 1979) A haunting song that speaks for itself.
  
  

"Midnight in the subway
She's on her way home
She tries hard not to run
But she feels she's not alone
Echoes of footsteps
Follow close behind
But she dare not turn around"

CJ