H.H. HOLMES ? AMERICA?S FIRST SERIAL KILLER (DVD)
by Rory L. Aronsky
(2004-08-25)
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2003, Un-rated, 64 Minutes, Waterfront Productions

While Jack the Ripper slashed his way through London in the late 1880s, Americans read about his exploits in the papers, relieved that such a monster could not be found on their midst. However, a monster was forming, one so cold and calculated with an interest in medicine and anatomy that wasn?t normal by any standards. His name was H.H. Holmes but first he was Herman Webster Mudgett, growing up in a strict household and soon excelling in school and at the University of Michigan thereafter in their medical school.

The biggest question in learning about a serial killer is, ?Why?? Why did H.H. Holmes engage himself in continuous scams? Why was Chicago the perfect spot for him to begin his twisted acts? Director John Borowski is well aware of all the ?Whys? that crop up when it comes to H.H. Holmes and with the narration of Tony Jay, along with re-enactments, old photographs, newspaper clippings and drawings, and stock footage, we?re presented with a man who seemed as normal and ambitious as can be in his beginnings, but became one of the most notorious criminals ever known in this country.
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[ http://www.filmthreat.com/Reviews.asp?Id=6416 ]

Kudos to the independent filmmakers who get it right. And by "get it right" I don't just necessarily mean the one's who make their no-budget films so spotless and polished that they are virtually indistinguishable from the majors (although that's nice as well). I'm talking about the struggling filmmakers who exhibit passion in their work. And along with that passion, a working knowledge of what they've gotten themselves into - creating art. This is not just left to a technical working knowledge of the filmmaking process either (which is of utmost importance) but also a working knowledge of the subject matter that they've chosen to pursue. Allow me to introduce you to filmmaker John Borowski.

Opting for a non-fiction documentary piece (most unusual for an independent) Borowski offers up an hour-long expos? on the life and times of famed serial killer H.H. Holmes, who was responsible for some truly grisly, infamous crimes. Borowski stands as a triple threat with this film as he takes on the role of producer, writer and director. I can say without reservation that this film was most certainly a labor of love for all involved, it really shows. And in the end, this love for the production is a huge part of the films vast appeal.
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The real appeal here lies within the execution of this shot on video wonder. Cleverly edited and presented, America's First Serial Killer manages to pack in a wealth of information in just over an hours time. And the fact that Borowski managed to sneak in some re-enactment's that blend seamlessly in with the archival and newly shot interview footage is truly mesmerizing as well. Throwing in this newly created footage (which was made to look vintage) could have (and probably would have) been a less experienced filmmaker's kiss of death, but here Borowski manages to make it work, so kudos for that.

[ http://www.monstersatplay.com/review/dvd/h/holmes.php ]