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Rough Cut
Horror legend Harry Tuttle is desperate for a hit. Harry’s career has been on a painful slide ever since he directed a couple of box office winners in the 1980s. Enter Marcus Stegman, a young unknown with a horror picture of his own. It’s not only a brilliant debut — it’s the movie Harry always dreamed of making.
A rivalry ensues — and it’s about to become bloody. A suspicious film critic, beautiful young starlet, and deranged fan become entangled in the cut-throat competition where hungry hopefuls will go to any means necessary to break into the big-time...and no one is safe.
A rivalry ensues — and it’s about to become bloody. A suspicious film critic, beautiful young starlet, and deranged fan become entangled in the cut-throat competition where hungry hopefuls will go to any means necessary to break into the big-time...and no one is safe.
- GenresHorror
ebook
First published January 1, 2011
9 people are currently reading
73 people want to read
About the author
Brian Pinkerton
21 books78 followersBrian Pinkerton is the author of Abducted, Vengeance, Rough Cut, Killer’s Diary, How I Started the Apocalypse, Bender, Anatomy of Evil and The Gemini Experiment. Select titles have also been released as audio books, ebooks and in foreign languages.
Brian’s short stories have appeared in anthologies including Chicago Blues, PULP! and Zombie Zoology. His screenplays have finished in the top 100 of Project Greenlight and top two percent of the Nicholl Fellowship of the Academy of Motion Picture Arts and Sciences. His academic background includes the Iowa Writers Workshop and Northwestern University's Medill School of Journalism. His web site, brianpinkerton.com, includes his cartoon series The Ruts.
Brian’s short stories have appeared in anthologies including Chicago Blues, PULP! and Zombie Zoology. His screenplays have finished in the top 100 of Project Greenlight and top two percent of the Nicholl Fellowship of the Academy of Motion Picture Arts and Sciences. His academic background includes the Iowa Writers Workshop and Northwestern University's Medill School of Journalism. His web site, brianpinkerton.com, includes his cartoon series The Ruts.
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Displaying 1 - 21 of 21 reviews
January 3, 2015
A B movie director, watching his career and credibility go down the tubes doing quickie direct to DVD horror movies, makes a deal with a fan for the credits on an indie film that sends him spiralling into a nightmare.
Pinkerton shows his love for cheapie horror films, cliches and all, while giving the reader something to think about concerning indie film and realism on a budget and going gleefully over the edge in the bargain.
A fast, fun read with crossover appeal for horror fans.
3.5 stars
Pinkerton shows his love for cheapie horror films, cliches and all, while giving the reader something to think about concerning indie film and realism on a budget and going gleefully over the edge in the bargain.
A fast, fun read with crossover appeal for horror fans.
3.5 stars
July 26, 2013
Harry Tuttle’s name in Hollywood is synonymous with low-budget, direct-to-video horror releases. (If he was real, I would be the guy reviewing his flicks.) Despite starting his career with a bang, Harry has gone on to release over a dozen el cheapo horror stories with names like “Schizo Sisters”, “Swamp Monster”, “Hillbilly Cannibals”, and “I’ll Skin You Alive.” Each film has been panned by critics and even the production company spokesman privately bashes the work.
As a result, Harry has found himself in a downward spiral. His ex-wife is now dating another director, and they’re set to produce a Hollywood action blockbuster with a hundred million dollar budget. The actress he wants turns down his offer. The media outlets continually bash his work. Meditation and breathing techniques aren’t doing the trick. Harry wants, more than anything in the world, to make the comeback movie that will mark his return to relevance in the industry.
Marcus Stegman is a young man with one dream; he wants to produce the greatest horror movies of all time. Marcus is so wrapped up in his dream that he works twenty hour days, eats only crummy fast food, and is behind on his rent and his credit cards. When he finishes filming, he strong arms his way into a meeting with Harry, and gives him a copy of the movie, “Deadly Desires”. Harry agrees to watch it, but tosses it on the pile of empty promises instead. It isn’t until Harry hits rock bottom that he decides to take a look at Marcus’ movie…
…and it’s the film he has been dreaming of making.
Tuttle gets everything he wants with “Deadly Desires” – fame, fortune, the blockbuster with his name all over it. Is this a dream come true or is there something about this horror film that will make Harry’s life truly horrific?
Author Brian Pinkerton writes a fantastic tale of twists and turns. His details of movie making are as good as any Hollywood insider. He plants plenty of media references and spoofs a number of authors and filmmakers with a wink and a grin. The characters are believable, and Harry is really a guy who the reader will root for. Everyone has their motivation and their individual ways of acting upon it. Marcus in particular is a fantastic fanatic, and his descent makes the book impossible to put down.
“Rough Cut” is a great study in just how far someone thinks they may go to achieve their dreams, and an example of how misleading appearances and expectations may be. Pinkerton writes with an appreciation of the horror genre, blending history with satire to present viewers with a constantly twisting thrill ride.
As a result, Harry has found himself in a downward spiral. His ex-wife is now dating another director, and they’re set to produce a Hollywood action blockbuster with a hundred million dollar budget. The actress he wants turns down his offer. The media outlets continually bash his work. Meditation and breathing techniques aren’t doing the trick. Harry wants, more than anything in the world, to make the comeback movie that will mark his return to relevance in the industry.
Marcus Stegman is a young man with one dream; he wants to produce the greatest horror movies of all time. Marcus is so wrapped up in his dream that he works twenty hour days, eats only crummy fast food, and is behind on his rent and his credit cards. When he finishes filming, he strong arms his way into a meeting with Harry, and gives him a copy of the movie, “Deadly Desires”. Harry agrees to watch it, but tosses it on the pile of empty promises instead. It isn’t until Harry hits rock bottom that he decides to take a look at Marcus’ movie…
…and it’s the film he has been dreaming of making.
Tuttle gets everything he wants with “Deadly Desires” – fame, fortune, the blockbuster with his name all over it. Is this a dream come true or is there something about this horror film that will make Harry’s life truly horrific?
Author Brian Pinkerton writes a fantastic tale of twists and turns. His details of movie making are as good as any Hollywood insider. He plants plenty of media references and spoofs a number of authors and filmmakers with a wink and a grin. The characters are believable, and Harry is really a guy who the reader will root for. Everyone has their motivation and their individual ways of acting upon it. Marcus in particular is a fantastic fanatic, and his descent makes the book impossible to put down.
“Rough Cut” is a great study in just how far someone thinks they may go to achieve their dreams, and an example of how misleading appearances and expectations may be. Pinkerton writes with an appreciation of the horror genre, blending history with satire to present viewers with a constantly twisting thrill ride.
January 7, 2018
The adrenaline begins when Nora’s well-planned escape from Lenny begins to unfold. She refuses to let Lenny hold back her dreams any further; she is off to Hollywood to become the star she was destined to be from her youth. Through her horror film performance multiple events happened; one filmmaker was paid richly, another director became an overnight success, and her husband travels half way across the US to bring her home.
Harry Tuttle, a film writer and director, is sick of being second rate in everything; as a director, as a film writer, and as a husband. The worst part is he knows it is true. Being rejected by girl was the breaking point in his career. He bought the copyright from a talented amateur producer and instantly rose above the fog weighing him down. By taking credit for a film was easy until he realized it was a snuff film and the actress really was killed.
Brian Pinkerton keeps you guessing who with be the next victim, and if the Harry ever gets the girl, or if she becomes the starlet in the next deadly horror film. Beautifully written without too much gore.
Harry Tuttle, a film writer and director, is sick of being second rate in everything; as a director, as a film writer, and as a husband. The worst part is he knows it is true. Being rejected by girl was the breaking point in his career. He bought the copyright from a talented amateur producer and instantly rose above the fog weighing him down. By taking credit for a film was easy until he realized it was a snuff film and the actress really was killed.
Brian Pinkerton keeps you guessing who with be the next victim, and if the Harry ever gets the girl, or if she becomes the starlet in the next deadly horror film. Beautifully written without too much gore.
January 19, 2018
Rough Cut written by Brian Pinkerton is a horror/murder mystery type novel. This story however, is not your typical horror. There is a lot of suspense to keep the reader on the edge of their seat, and the face is steady throughout the novel. The story is powerful and intriguing and the writing is phenomenal from the twists throughout the book down to the details, Brian Pinkerton has done a wonderful job with this book. Rough Cut starts off with bad reviews of Surfer Psycho, Harry Tuttle’s film and then goes into Nora’s escape from her husband Lenny to take off to Hollywood to become the star she has always dreamed of. The reader is then introduced to Harry Tuttle, and the background of his slipping career. Gripping is too lax of a word for this book, from the very beginning the reader is sucked in to Pinkerton’s horror world. I really enjoyed this book and found myself unable to put it down. I liked how karma found its way to Harry for taking credit for a film that wasn’t really his, but I did enjoy every aspect of the murder mystery, the suspense and the writing was superb! I highly recommend this book for anyone who like murder mystery or horror.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
January 16, 2019
The best horror novels aren't necessarily penned by Stephen King. That statement is a moot point as Rough Cut by Brian Pinkerton
is not what I have in mind to be classic horror. Thriller, crime fiction, yes. And a good thriller at that. The crime is gruesome and not the norm for the genre, which I appreciated, but it lacked the graphic gore and The premise is that Hollywood has-been, Harry Tuttle, desperate for the script that will return him to his former glory, finds it, takes credit for it, and then realizes he's been soaking up the accolades for a for a SNUFF film. So, he kinda had it comin'.
I am a Pinterton newbie but Rough Cut will most definitely not be my last. The style in which Pinkerton's writes is to be admired. He knows how to move a plot along without rushing and that is much easier said than done. The reader feels a part of the story, invested in the characters and their survival. Also something that is not easy to accomplish. This is a solid thriller (horror lite, if you insist on the label).
is not what I have in mind to be classic horror. Thriller, crime fiction, yes. And a good thriller at that. The crime is gruesome and not the norm for the genre, which I appreciated, but it lacked the graphic gore and The premise is that Hollywood has-been, Harry Tuttle, desperate for the script that will return him to his former glory, finds it, takes credit for it, and then realizes he's been soaking up the accolades for a for a SNUFF film. So, he kinda had it comin'.
I am a Pinterton newbie but Rough Cut will most definitely not be my last. The style in which Pinkerton's writes is to be admired. He knows how to move a plot along without rushing and that is much easier said than done. The reader feels a part of the story, invested in the characters and their survival. Also something that is not easy to accomplish. This is a solid thriller (horror lite, if you insist on the label).
January 12, 2018
A suspense, action, thriller and horror are a combination base of this book. It’s the story about the dark side of film industry where Harry is depressed as he has hit rock bottom and just wants to do anything to achieve its dreams. The plot is interesting and fast paced, filled with twists and turns that are hard to guess. The story remains with you after you finish so author has managed to capture the mind of reader for a while which I guess is the success of the book!
July 2, 2024
If Rough Cut by was a movie, Welcome to Horrorwood from Ice Nine Kills would be the theme song. Pinkerton shows how ruthless the movie industry is. I absolutely loved the build-up and the twists! It's a dark thriller that goes into horror territory. It shows what greed does, even to someone who isn't looking to harm anyone. Along with how far someone is willing to go for fame. I highly recommend this!
March 20, 2017
Great Book!
Brian Pinkerton is one of my favorite horror writers. From the first page to the last, his books are captivating. Rough Cut was a wonderful book, finished it in 2 days and I'm on to another book by Brian Pinkerton. If you enjoy horror books try his books, you won't be sorry.
Brian Pinkerton is one of my favorite horror writers. From the first page to the last, his books are captivating. Rough Cut was a wonderful book, finished it in 2 days and I'm on to another book by Brian Pinkerton. If you enjoy horror books try his books, you won't be sorry.
January 6, 2021
LOVED IT
Great book from start to finish - great storyline and more than satisfying ending. I found the good guys appealing and the bad guys appalling. After only one book I'm a fan. Can't wait to read the next one.
Great book from start to finish - great storyline and more than satisfying ending. I found the good guys appealing and the bad guys appalling. After only one book I'm a fan. Can't wait to read the next one.
August 13, 2016
Review to come.
August 8, 2021
2,75 stars.
Liked the first half quite a bit, the second half less so.
Liked the first half quite a bit, the second half less so.
August 20, 2021
A fun read
I enjoyed this book, although it wasn’t what I consider a horror story. That said, it was fun and lots of twists and turns and oh shit! moments.
I enjoyed this book, although it wasn’t what I consider a horror story. That said, it was fun and lots of twists and turns and oh shit! moments.
December 13, 2022
I enjoyed this book very much. Great plot & characters made for a can hardly wait for the next chapter type of read. I definitely recommend this one!
August 22, 2024
Fun and suspenseful
I plowed through this book in paperback and realized at some point that I had already read it. But it was even better the second time through!
I plowed through this book in paperback and realized at some point that I had already read it. But it was even better the second time through!
April 28, 2012
Pinkerton's "Rough Cut" was easily one of the half dozen best novels I read last year. The premise is as clever as it is absurdly simple. A has-been film director stumbles across an amazing new film, contacts the movie's unknown director, makes a deal to take credit for the film himself, revitalizes his career, and ends up suffering terrible consequences due to his fraud.
One could talk about the novel's strongly drawn characters or the crispness of the plot,or the author's clear familiarity with the movie business and his evident love/hate relationship with it. But the most affecting attribute of this book is the sense of inevitable doom, the sense of hopelessness and of circumstances beyond our control, which we share with the protagonist as his situation worsens and spirals ever downward.
Rarely does one read a book which can put you "on the edge of your seat" as movies so often do, yet this novel does precisely that. Pinkerton's prose does a masterful job of creating a sense of situational claustrophobia and forces us to empathize with the main character on a visceral level as he fruitlessly hunts for some way to escape the traps he's inadvertently set for himself.
Even better, the book is not without humor. Some of the pot shots the author takes at the Movie Biz incite smiles, if not outright giggles. There are times when we share the protagonist's amused frustration at the insanity of the entertainment industry and of Hollywood in particular.
"Rough Cut" is much more of a thriller than a horror novel, yet there are elements of both within it. This is the kind of novel that gives rise to the desire to "curl up with a good book" and it certainly delivers on the promise!
One could talk about the novel's strongly drawn characters or the crispness of the plot,or the author's clear familiarity with the movie business and his evident love/hate relationship with it. But the most affecting attribute of this book is the sense of inevitable doom, the sense of hopelessness and of circumstances beyond our control, which we share with the protagonist as his situation worsens and spirals ever downward.
Rarely does one read a book which can put you "on the edge of your seat" as movies so often do, yet this novel does precisely that. Pinkerton's prose does a masterful job of creating a sense of situational claustrophobia and forces us to empathize with the main character on a visceral level as he fruitlessly hunts for some way to escape the traps he's inadvertently set for himself.
Even better, the book is not without humor. Some of the pot shots the author takes at the Movie Biz incite smiles, if not outright giggles. There are times when we share the protagonist's amused frustration at the insanity of the entertainment industry and of Hollywood in particular.
"Rough Cut" is much more of a thriller than a horror novel, yet there are elements of both within it. This is the kind of novel that gives rise to the desire to "curl up with a good book" and it certainly delivers on the promise!
April 21, 2014
I generally enjoy Pinkerton's books, but if you are thinking of trying his books, choose one of his others. I expected action or murder or kidnapping or something exciting, but I read over 100 pages and NOTHING happened. Some guys made movies, went to parties, made some deals and other such trivial boredom, but nobody had been kidnapped, murdered, or even involved in a fight. There was no conflict, no suspense, and no real plot, so I deleted it and moved on to my next read. I hope this is the only Pinkerton book as bad as this; I can forgive any great author one bad book.
April 30, 2012
After hearing the Author read from this book, I immediately when and bought a copy to read on my plane flight home. far and away it was the best money I spent that weekend, and it is a book I will loan, promote, and share out to many others before my copy finally expires.
Then I'll buy another one.
Brian Pinkerton has successfully updated the noir thriller to the 21st century, and I look forward to reading many more such offerings from him in the future.
Then I'll buy another one.
Brian Pinkerton has successfully updated the noir thriller to the 21st century, and I look forward to reading many more such offerings from him in the future.
November 14, 2013
A total thrill from start to finish. Loved this one and the insider view of Hollywood.
Read
January 9, 2018Brian Pinkerton is an author I’ll keep in mind when I go to buy more books. What a great story. A very good thriller that will make you hold your breath at every turn of the page. Suspense is beautifully constructed and the pace goes in crescendo. It shows the not so glamorous side in the film industry. It shows the bloodiest side in the film industry! The rivalry, the pressure, being forgotten, being snubbed… it’s all here and in great writing.
It’s a horror story, so expect blood, but this more a book that messes with your mind rather being super graphic. The characters are well built and the dialogues amazing. The way they are presented offers the readers a great insight into what they’re thinking and what are they expecting to achieve. The plot is coherent and the style is strong. One of the best horror/thriller books I’ve read and an author to pay attention to.
It’s a horror story, so expect blood, but this more a book that messes with your mind rather being super graphic. The characters are well built and the dialogues amazing. The way they are presented offers the readers a great insight into what they’re thinking and what are they expecting to achieve. The plot is coherent and the style is strong. One of the best horror/thriller books I’ve read and an author to pay attention to.
February 4, 2018
Rough Cut is an intense thriller from start to finish. Brian Pinkerton puts you in the middle of the Hollywood scene from the good, the bad, and the bloody ugly. The major and minor characters come together in a storyline that gives you chills. It had that same vibe that I would compare to some episodes of Tales from the Crypt or Tales from the Darkside. "Scary" Harry Tuttle wants to have his name on an epic horror movie but is stuck in a rut. He makes a deal with young filmmaker Markus Stegman in a bargain that is more like selling his own soul. This author has a gift for strong horror fiction.
Displaying 1 - 21 of 21 reviews