Ep 8. Cigarette Burns - John Carpenter

Cigarette Burns is the eighth episode of the first season of Masters of Horror. The episode is directed by John Carpenter, who is known for his work on iconic horror films such as Halloween, The Thing, and They Live.

The story revolves around a man named Kirby Sweetman, played by Norman Reedus, who is hired by a wealthy collector to find a rare film called "Le Fin Absolue du Monde." The film is notorious for causing its viewers to go insane and commit acts of violence. In fact, the only known screening of the film ended in a murder-suicide.

As Sweetman delves deeper into his search for the film, he finds himself encountering a series of increasingly violent and disturbing events. He is pursued by a mysterious woman, played by Udo Kier, who seems to know more about the film and its origins than she lets on.

As Sweetman gets closer to finding the film, he begins to lose his grip on reality, experiencing hallucinations and vivid nightmares. He becomes obsessed with the film, driven by a compulsion to uncover its secrets at any cost.

The episode is a tense and atmospheric exploration of the power of obsession and the horror that can be found in the pursuit of a dangerous idea. Carpenter's direction is masterful, creating a sense of dread and unease that builds steadily throughout the episode.

The performances of the cast are also notable, with Reedus delivering a compelling portrayal of Sweetman's descent into madness and Kier bringing a chilling presence to her enigmatic role.

Overall, Cigarette Burns is a standout episode of Masters of Horror, showcasing the genre mastery of John Carpenter and providing a terrifying exploration of the dark and unexpected consequences of chasing after forbidden knowledge.