Smoke and Mirrors: The Story of Tom Savini

Smoke and Mirrors: The Story of Tom Savini is a captivating documentary film released in 2015. The film shines a light on the life, craft, and remarkable career of the master special effects makeup artist Tom Savini. Directed by Jason Baker, the movie features a star-studded cast, including appearances from John Amplas, Tom Atkins, Howard Berger, and more.

At its heart, Smoke and Mirrors is a deeply human story that goes beyond just the gruesome zombies and terrifying monsters that Savini is famous for creating. This documentary aims to give a comprehensive overview of Savini's life, from his childhood and early brush with mortality, to his time in the Vietnam war, and ultimately, his rise to stardom in the gore-filled world of horror cinema.

Raised in Pittsburgh, Savini was drawn to magic and illusions from a young age, sculpting his monsters out of readily available materials. His stint as a combat photographer in Vietnam deeply affected him, and it is implied in the film that it heavily influenced his future work in special effects.

Smoke and Mirrors gives viewers insight into these experiences, shedding light on how Savini developed his uncannily realistic, groundbreaking special effects that would win him fans around the globe. These sequences are perhaps the film's most compelling parts, offering a fascinating look into Savini's process, his tireless commitment to perfecting his craft, and the techniques and innovations he pioneered in his use of makeup and prosthetics.

But the documentary is not filled solely with tales of blood and gore. The film adds nuance to Savini's character by also focusing on his personal life. It presents Savini as a father, a teacher, and a legend in his field, who faced intense scrutiny and criticism alongside recognition and applause. The intimate look at Savini's life offers a striking contrast to the harrowing spectacle of his creations.

The film benefits from an array of interviews featuring actors, directors, and fellow makeup artists who have known and worked with Savini. Among them is actor John Amplas, who worked with Savini in the cult classic George A. Romero films, Martin and Dawn of the Dead.

Also featured is Tom Atkins, who collaborated with Savini on two horror films, Creepshow and Bruiser. Atkins contributes his accounts of Savini's work ethic, innovation, and professionalism to the narrative of the film.

Another notable appearance is that of Howard Berger. Berger, who himself is a renowned special effects makeup artist and co-founder of the KNB EFX Group, provides intriguing commentary on Savini's influence on the industry. Berger, along with others, helps to establish the breadth and depth of Savini's legacy in modern horror cinema.

Baker’s careful direction ensures the film maintains a good pace, managing to squeeze in a bounty of information without becoming dry or tedious. While the film features its fair share of graphic imagery, owing to Savini’s work, it is balanced with heartfelt tributes and enthusiastic appreciation for Savini’s artistry.

One of the film's strength is that it doesn't shy away from showing the demanding and sometime grotesque nature of the work that marked Savini's career. It revels in the darkness and the grotesque, just as Savini's creations do, and in doing so captures the fine line between repulsion and fascination that defines much of horror cinema.

In conclusion, Smoke and Mirrors: The Story of Tom Savini is a captivating tribute to a trailblazer in the world of cinema special effects. It's a film that will please not just fans of Savini's work, but anyone interested in the world of filmmaking, special effects, or horror. Through personal stories, behind-the-scenes footage, and rich, detailed accounts, the film paints a vivid picture of a man whose work has left an indelible mark on popular culture. The documentary film secures Savini's status as a legend in the industry and a central figure in the horror community. It is not just a docudrama, but a brutal testament to the beauty of special effects, highlighting the artistry behind the gore.