The Burning – A Cult Slasher That Lit the Way for ’80s Horror
The Burning (1981) is a cult classic slasher film that holds a distinct place in horror history. Directed by Tony Maylam and produced by Harvey Weinstein in his first film credit, The Burning is often remembered for its grisly practical effects, summer camp setting, and its contribution to the post-Friday the 13th wave of slasher films. While it never reached the iconic status of Jason Voorhees or Michael Myers, it helped solidify many of the tropes that would define the genre through the 1980s — from the final girl to the revenge-driven killer and the formula of sex, sin, and slaughter.
The story is based loosely on the urban legend of "Cropsey," a deformed figure who haunts the woods. In the film, Cropsey is a cruel, alcoholic camp caretaker who is severely burned in a prank gone wrong, orchestrated by a group of campers. After years of recovery and psychological torment, he returns to Camp Stonewater with a vengeance — armed with a giant pair of garden shears and a thirst for blood. What follows is a classic slasher scenario: horny, carefree teens get picked off one by one in increasingly brutal fashion.
What sets The Burning apart from many of its contemporaries is the quality of its practical effects, courtesy of legendary makeup artist Tom Savini (fresh off his work on Friday the 13th and Dawn of the Dead). The kills are shocking, especially the infamous raft massacre sequence — a bloody set piece that still stands out for its choreography, tension, and sheer audacity. Savini's work lends the film a visceral edge that made it notorious among horror fans and censors alike.
The cast includes several young actors who would go on to bigger careers, most notably Jason Alexander (Seinfeld), Holly Hunter (The Piano), and Fisher Stevens (Short Circuit), in some of their earliest film roles. Their performances add a surprising touch of charm and authenticity to the group dynamics, elevating the film slightly above the generic slasher mold.
Stylistically, The Burning features classic ’80s cinematography — grainy, dimly lit, and full of creepy woods and lakefront shots. Rick Wakeman's eerie synth score adds to the film’s unsettling mood, making it feel both dated and nostalgic in the best way for fans of the era.
While The Burning didn’t achieve mainstream success upon release — largely overshadowed by the juggernaut of Friday the 13th — it developed a strong cult following over the decades. Its mix of graphic violence, campy fun, and genuinely suspenseful direction has earned it a place in the slasher canon. It’s also notable for being more straightforward and less supernatural than some of its peers, grounding its horror in the all-too-human desire for revenge.
In conclusion, The Burning is a raw, bloody, and iconic example of early ’80s slasher cinema. It’s a film that doesn’t break the mold but sharpens it — a grimy, gory tale of retribution that continues to thrill horror fans with its practical effects and summer camp chills. For those who appreciate old-school slashers, it’s a must-watch that helped ignite a genre trend that still burns bright today.
