Watch Smoke and Mirrors: The Story of Tom Savini

"Smoke and Mirrors: The Story of Tom Savini" is a 2015 documentary film about the legendary special effects makeup artist, actor, and director Tom Savini. The movie explores the life and career of Savini, who has worked on some of the most iconic horror films of all time, including "Dawn of the Dead," "Friday the 13th," and "Creepshow."

The film begins by introducing Savini's childhood, growing up in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania. Savini was fascinated with horror movies from an early age, and would often sneak out of bed to watch movies on television late at night. This love of horror would eventually lead him to a career in special effects makeup, where he would go on to become one of the most influential figures in the industry.

The documentary features interviews with a variety of people who have worked with Savini throughout his career, including filmmakers such as George A. Romero, Robert Rodriguez, and Quentin Tarantino. These interviews, alongside footage of Savini at work on film sets, give viewers a first-hand look at the art and craft of special effects makeup.

Throughout the film, Savini discusses some of his most famous creations, including the zombies in Romero's "Dawn of the Dead." He also talks about his work on "Friday the 13th," where he invented some of the franchise's most memorable kills. Additionally, the film explores Savini's work on "Creepshow," where he collaborated with horror legends such as Stephen King and Romero to create a unique horror anthology.

"Smoke and Mirrors" also delves into Savini's personal life, including his stint serving in Vietnam and his struggles with addiction. The film shows how these experiences shaped Savini as a person and an artist, ultimately leading to his decision to focus on directing rather than special effects makeup.

Overall, "Smoke and Mirrors: The Story of Tom Savini" is a fascinating look at one of the horror industry's most influential figures. The movie provides valuable insight into the creative process behind special effects makeup, while also showcasing Savini's immense talent and passion for horror. Whether you're a fan of horror movies, special effects makeup, or just great documentaries, this film is definitely worth checking out.

Smoke and Mirrors: The Story of Tom Savini is a 2019 documentary with a runtime of 1 hour and 31 minutes. It has received mostly positive reviews from critics and viewers, who have given it an IMDb score of 7.3.