Written by Pammy Mosier
Modified & Updated: 10 May 2024
Reviewed by Sherman Smith
Get ready to dive into the fascinating world of the cult classic horror film, “The Burning.” Released in 1981, this slasher flick has secured its place in horror history and continues to captivate audiences with its heart-stopping suspense and gory thrills. Directed by Tony Maylam and written by Peter Lawrence, “The Burning” tells the chilling story of a summer camp caretaker who seeks revenge on a group of teenagers by terrorizing them with a pair of garden shears.
In this article, we will uncover 40 intriguing facts about “The Burning” that will take your movie knowledge to the next level. From behind-the-scenes anecdotes to interesting trivia, we’ll delve into the making of the film, its impact on the horror genre, and everything in between. So grab some popcorn, turn down the lights, and prepare to get acquainted with the lesser-known secrets about this iconic horror gem.
Key Takeaways:
- The Burning, a 1981 slasher film, was inspired by the real-life legend of Cropsey and became a cult classic despite initial mixed reviews, paving the way for future slasher films.
- The movie’s intense kills, iconic tagline, and controversial content contributed to its enduring popularity, solidifying its place in horror movie history and influencing the genre for years to come.
The Burning is a 1981 slasher film directed by Tony Maylam.
The Burning tells the story of a group of teenagers who are stalked and attacked by a disfigured caretaker at a summer camp.
The movie was inspired by the real-life story of Cropsey, an urban legend from Staten Island.
Legend has it that Cropsey was a former caretaker who went mad and started abducting and killing children.
The Burning was one of the first slasher films to feature a group of teenagers as the main victims.
Before this, slasher films typically focused on one main protagonist being chased by the killer.
The film stars Brian Matthews as Todd, the film’s protagonist.
Matthews gives a captivating performance as the resourceful and determined teenager fighting for his life.
The Burning features early appearances by several future stars, including Jason Alexander and Holly Hunter.
Both Alexander and Hunter deliver memorable performances, showcasing their talent even at a young age.
The special effects in The Burning were created by renowned makeup artist Tom Savini.
Savini’s work brings the gruesome kills to life, adding to the film’s intense and shocking moments.
The Burning received mixed reviews upon its release, with critics praising its inventive kills but criticizing its plot.
Despite the mixed reviews, the movie has gained a cult following over the years.
The movie’s tagline “Don’t look, he’ll see you” became iconic and synonymous with the film.
This memorable tagline perfectly captures the sense of fear and paranoia that permeates the movie.
The Burning was considered controversial upon its release due to its graphic violence and explicit content.
Many theaters and video rental stores refused to carry the film, further fueling its cult status.
The Burning’s score was composed by Rick Wakeman, best known as the keyboardist for the progressive rock band Yes.
Wakeman’s haunting and atmospheric score adds to the tension and suspense of the film.
The Burning was initially released as a double feature with another slasher film, Friday the 13th Part 2.
The double feature was a highly successful marketing strategy, attracting fans of the slasher genre.
The Burning features several memorable death scenes, including one involving garden shears.
The film’s creative and gruesome kills have become a standout element for horror movie fans.
The Burning’s success paved the way for other slasher films that followed in its footsteps.
It helped solidify the slasher subgenre as a popular choice in the horror film industry.
The film’s production budget was relatively low, but its box office performance exceeded expectations.
Despite being made on a limited budget, The Burning managed to turn a profit and achieve commercial success.
The Burning was one of the first films to receive an “X” rating from the MPAA solely for violence.
This rating severely limited its distribution and accessibility, but it also added to its notoriety.
The movie’s original title was “Cropsy,” but it was changed shortly before release.
The new title, The Burning, added a sense of mystery and intensified the film’s marketing campaign.
The Burning’s filming location was Camp Tonikanee in Port Jervis, New York.
The camp provided a perfect backdrop for the summer camp setting and added to the film’s authenticity.
The movie’s DVD release included audio commentary from director Tony Maylam and writer/producer Harvey Weinstein.
The commentary provides insight into the making of the film and its impact on the horror genre.
The Burning was remade in 2016 under the title “Cropsey.”
The remake received mixed reviews, with many fans of the original expressing their preference for the original film.
The Burning’s iconic poster features the film’s killer holding a pair of garden shears.
The image became instantly recognizable and has become an iconic representation of the slasher genre.
The Burning’s screenplay was written by Bob Weinstein and Peter Lawrence.
The duo crafted a script that successfully brought the story to life, keeping viewers on the edge of their seats.
The movie’s runtime is approximately 91 minutes, providing a fast-paced and intense viewing experience.
The pacing of the film ensures that there is never a dull moment, keeping audiences engaged throughout.
The Burning received a limited theatrical release but found wider success in the home video market.
It became a popular choice for horror movie enthusiasts to rent or purchase on VHS.
The Burning’s plot was loosely based on the legend of Cropsey but adds its own unique twists and turns.
The film keeps viewers guessing and on the edge of their seats, never knowing who will be the next victim.
The movie’s ending leaves room for interpretation, allowing viewers to speculate on the fate of the surviving characters.
This ambiguous ending adds to the overall sense of dread and lingering fear even after the credits roll.
The Burning’s cinematography showcases the beautiful scenery of the camp while also emphasizing the dark and gritty nature of the story.
The contrasting visuals create a visually striking and atmospheric experience for the audience.
The film’s director, Tony Maylam, went on to direct other notable horror films, including Split Second and The Lair of the White Worm.
Maylam’s work on The Burning showcased his ability to create tension and create memorable horror movie moments.
The Burning’s promotional campaign included the release of a paperback novelization based on the film.
The novelization allowed fans to further immerse themselves in the story and characters.
The movie’s opening scene sets the tone for the rest of the film, immediately establishing the antagonist’s chilling presence.
This gripping opening sequence hooks viewers right from the start.
The Burning’s practical effects, including the makeup for the killer, have stood the test of time and are still praised by horror movie enthusiasts today.
The attention to detail and craftsmanship in the special effects is evident, even decades after the film’s release.
The film uses atmospheric lighting to create a sense of tension and fear, heightening the suspenseful moments throughout.
The lighting adds to the overall visual aesthetic of the film and enhances the viewing experience.
The Burning features a memorable score, with its main theme evoking a feeling of dread and impending danger.
The score effectively enhances the suspense and helps build anticipation for the film’s intense moments.
The Burning’s practical effects team worked meticulously to create realistic and gruesome kill scenes.
The attention to detail makes the kills shocking and brutal, leaving a lasting impression on viewers.
The film’s pacing is relentless, with each scene propelling the story forward and increasing the tension.
This fast-paced approach keeps viewers engaged and on the edge of their seats throughout the runtime.
The Burning’s influence can be seen in subsequent slasher films, with its impact on the genre still felt to this day.
The film helped shape the conventions and tropes of the slasher subgenre, influencing future filmmakers.
The movie’s cinematography utilizes various camera techniques to capture the chilling atmosphere of the summer camp and heighten the sense of danger.
The camera movements and angles add depth and visual interest to the film.
The Burning’s success spawned a franchise, with several sequels and spin-offs released in the following years.
While not as critically acclaimed as the original, these films continued the story and further explored the legend of Cropsey.
The film’s editing plays a crucial role in building suspense, enhancing the impact of each scare and making the horror moments more effective.
The well-crafted editing brings together the various elements of the film seamlessly.
The Burning’s cinematography and editing work together to create a sense of unease and paranoia, keeping viewers on the edge of their seats.
The combination of visual and editing techniques adds to the overall atmosphere of the film.
The Burning’s enduring popularity is a testament to its impact on the horror genre and its ability to captivate audiences with its memorable characters and shocking kills.
Even after four decades, The Burning continues to be a favorite among horror movie fans, proving its lasting appeal.
Conclusion
In conclusion, “The Burning” is a cult classic slasher film that has left a lasting impact on the horror genre. With its memorable characters, suspenseful storyline, and gruesome special effects, it has earned its place in the pantheon of horror movies. Whether you’re a fan of the genre or just looking for a thrilling cinematic experience, “The Burning” is definitely a must-watch. So grab some popcorn, turn off the lights, and prepare yourself for a heart-pounding journey into the terrifying world of “The Burning.
FAQs
Q: When was “The Burning” released?
A: “The Burning” was released on May 8, 1981.
Q: Is “The Burning” based on a true story?
A: While “The Burning” does draw inspiration from real-life incidents, it is not directly based on a specific true story.
Q: Who directed “The Burning”?
A: “The Burning” was directed by Tony Maylam.
Q: Who are some of the main actors in “The Burning”?
A: The film stars Brian Matthews, Leah Ayres, Brian Backer, and Lou David, among others.
Q: What is the plot of “The Burning”?
A: “The Burning” follows the story of a group of summer camp counselors who seek revenge on a disfigured caretaker who was wronged in the past.
Q: Is “The Burning” appropriate for children?
A: “The Burning” is rated R and contains scenes of violence, gore, and nudity, making it unsuitable for young children.
Q: Did “The Burning” receive positive reviews?
A: “The Burning” received mixed reviews upon its release, but has since gained a cult following and is regarded as a classic by many horror fans.
Q: Are there any memorable scenes in “The Burning”?
A: Yes, “The Burning” is known for its standout scenes including the infamous “raft massacre” sequence.
Q: Is “The Burning” available to stream online?
A: Yes, “The Burning” is available for streaming on various platforms including Amazon Prime and Shudder.
Q: Does “The Burning” have any sequels?
A: No, “The Burning” does not have any official sequels, but its impact on the slasher genre can be seen in subsequent films that followed its release.
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