Tribute To John Carl Buechler (1952-2019)
It is with great sadness that we here at the Dewback Discussion Network must report on the passing of the legendary John Carl Buechler. Mr. Buechler was well known in the horror industry for his work as a writer, producer, director, and visual effects artist.
His passion for visual effects began very early in his career, when he formed his own company called Mechanical Imageries Inc. His early years working on effects and makeup work on such films as Forbidden World and Deathstalker would lead to his first directing gig, a segment of the movie called Dungeonmaster, for which he would also do special effects. He would later go on to direct and do special effects work for the movies Troll and Cellar Dweller, as well as visual effects for Ghoulies.
Without a doubt, his most famous work would be directing Friday the 13th Part VII: The New Blood. One of the most popular entries in the franchise, he introduced Kane Hodder to the world at large. Kane would become synonymous with the role of Jason Voorhees, a part which he has taken very much pride in. Later that same year, Mr. Buechler would also do visual effects work for both Nightmare On Elm Street Part 4: The Dream Master, as well as Halloween 4: The Return Of Michael Myers. His movie Cellar Dweller was also released in 1988, and he also did visual effects for To Die For. Needless to say, 1988 was a very busy year for him.
He continued to work as a director and makeup effects artist throughout the rest of his life, working on such films as Bride of Re-Animator, Phantom Of The Opera, Freddy’s Dead: The Final Nightmare, Halloween 6: The Curse Of Michael Myers, and Hatchet among many others. Sadly, he never quite achieved the success he experienced as a director like he did with Friday The 13th Part VII. While he continued to direct sporadically, his later films never equalled the popularity.
He was very well liked in the horror community, and shared a lifelong friendship with Kane Hodder. He was recently diagnosed with Stage 4 prostate cancer, and he sadly lost his battle last night at the age of 66. I speak for everyone here at the Dewback Discussion Network when I say he will be missed very much, but his legacy will live on forever. We thank you Mr. Buechler, for all you have given us. The horror community is better from all of your contributions, and you will never be forgotten.