John Carl Buechler

John Carl Buechler

Born:June 18, 1952

Place of Birth:Belleville, Illinois, USA

Died:March 18, 2019

Known For:Crew

Biography

John Carl Buechler, a visionary in the world of horror cinema, left an indelible mark as a director, actor, and master of special effects and makeup artistry. Hailing from Belleville, Illinois, Buechler's creative genius shone through in his iconic works that continue to captivate audiences to this day.

Born on June 1, 1952, Buechler's passion for storytelling through the lens of horror propelled him to direct cult classics such as "Troll" (1986) and "Friday the 13th Part VII: The New Blood" (1988). His ability to blend suspense, gore, and dark humor set him apart in the genre, earning him a dedicated following among horror enthusiasts.

Buechler's talent extended beyond the director's chair, as his expertise in special effects and makeup brought fantastical creatures and nightmarish beings to life on the silver screen. His work on films like "Ghoulies III: Ghoulies Go to College" (1990) showcased his mastery in creating visually striking and terrifying characters that linger in the minds of viewers long after the credits roll.

With a career spanning decades, Buechler's contributions to the horror genre solidified his legacy as a true pioneer in the industry. His attention to detail and commitment to pushing the boundaries of visual effects set new standards for practical makeup and creature design, influencing generations of filmmakers who followed in his footsteps.

Despite his untimely passing on March 18, 2019, in Los Angeles, California, Buechler's impact continues to resonate through his body of work, inspiring a new wave of filmmakers to explore the macabre and the supernatural with the same dedication and passion that defined his career.

From his early days experimenting with makeup effects to his later achievements as a director and actor, John Carl Buechler's creative journey remains a testament to the power of imagination and the enduring allure of horror storytelling. His legacy lives on in the shadows that lurk onscreen, reminding audiences of the boundless possibilities that exist within the realm of cinematic terror.

Images

John Carl Buechler

Filmography

Acting

Never Sleep Again: The Elm Street Legacy

Never Sleep Again: The Elm Street Legacy

Self

2010

For decades, Freddy Krueger has slashed his way through the dreams of countless youngsters, scaring up over half a billion dollars at the box office across eight terrifying, spectacular films.
Hatchet

Hatchet

Jack Cracker

2006

When a group of tourists on a New Orleans haunted swamp tour find themselves stranded in the wilderness, their evening of fun and spooks turns into a horrific nightmare.
Crystal Lake Memories: The Complete History of Friday the 13th

Crystal Lake Memories: The Complete History of Friday the 13th

Self

2013

Taking inspiration from Peter M. Bracke's definitive book of the same name, this seven-hour documentary dives into the making of all twelve Friday the 13th films, with all-new interviews from the cast and the crew.
His Name Was Jason: 30 Years of Friday the 13th

His Name Was Jason: 30 Years of Friday the 13th

Self

2010

A retrospective documentary about the groundbreaking horror series, Friday the 13th, featuring interviews with cast and crew from the twelve films spanning 3 decades.

Production

Re-Animator

Re-Animator

Special Effects Makeup Artist

1985

Conducting clandestine experiments within the morgue at Miskatonic University, scientist Herbert West reveals to a fellow graduate student his groundbreaking work concerning the re-animation of fresh corpses.
Friday the 13th Part VII: The New Blood

Friday the 13th Part VII: The New Blood

Line Producer

1988

Tina Shepard, a telekinetic teenage girl, accidentally unchains Jason from his watery grave, allowing him to go on another killing spree in the area.
Halloween 4: The Return of Michael Myers

Halloween 4: The Return of Michael Myers

Makeup Effects Designer

1988

Michael returns to Haddonfield for Jamie Lloyd – the orphaned daughter of Laurie Strode – and her babysitter Rachel. Can Dr. Loomis stop him before the unholy slaughter reaches his innocent young niece?
Halloween: The Curse of Michael Myers

Halloween: The Curse of Michael Myers

Makeup Effects Designer

1995

Six years after being kidnapped by a cult, Jamie tries to escape the clutches of her serial killer uncle, Michael Myers.
Deathstalker

Deathstalker

Special Effects Makeup Artist

1983

The warrior Deathstalker is tasked by an old witch lady to obtain and unite the three powers of creation - a chalice, an amulet, and a sword - lest the evil magician Munkar get them and use them for nefarious purposes. After obtaining the sword, Deathstalker joins with other travelers going to the Big Tournament to determine the strongest warrior. The false king holds the true princess in captivity, and plots to have Deathstalker killed, and Deathstalker must fight to free the princess.
From Beyond

From Beyond

Special Effects Coordinator

1986

The Resonator, a powerful machine that can control the sixth sense, has killed its creator and sent his associate into an insane asylum. When a beautiful psychiatrist becomes determined to continue the experiment, she unwittingly opens the door to a hostile parallel universe.
Hatchet

Hatchet

Special Effects

2006

When a group of tourists on a New Orleans haunted swamp tour find themselves stranded in the wilderness, their evening of fun and spooks turns into a horrific nightmare.
Tammy and the T-Rex

Tammy and the T-Rex

Makeup Effects

1994

An evil scientist implants the brain of a murdered high school student into an animatronic Tyrannosaurus, who later wreaks vengeance on the bullies who killed him, and is reunited with his sweetheart.
Red Rock West

Red Rock West

Makeup Effects

1993

When a promised job for Texan Michael fails to materialize in Wyoming, Mike is mistaken by Wayne to be the hitman he hired to kill his unfaithful wife, Suzanne. Mike takes full advantage of the situation, collects the money, and runs. During his getaway, things go wrong, and soon get worse when he runs into the real hitman, Lyle.
Dolls

Dolls

Special Effects Makeup Artist

1986

A precocious girl, her nasty parents, two punk-rock losers and a weak-kneed salesman inadvertently become the guests of two ghoulish senior citizens in their dark, haunted mansion.
The Garbage Pail Kids Movie

The Garbage Pail Kids Movie

Makeup Artist

1987

Seven disgusting kids but nevertheless of interesting personality are being made of the green mud coming out of garbage can. Once alive their master gives them rules to obey although they think that life is funnier without following stupid regulations like no television or no candy. Naturally this will cause some conflicts.
Necronomicon

Necronomicon

Special Effects Supervisor

1993

H.P. Lovecraft anthology is divided into four segments: "The Library" which is the wraparound segment involving Lovecraft's research into the Book of The Dead and his unwitting release of a monster and his writing of the following horror segments "The Drowned", "The Cold", and "Whispers".
Trancers

Trancers

Special Effects

1984

Angel City trooper Jack Deth is sent back in time from 2247 to 1985 L.A. to inhabit the body of his ancestor. Deth's assignment is to find his archenemy, Whistler, who turns people into zombies, before the fiend is able to kill all the ancestors of the future's governing council.