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Bloodlines: The Art & Life of Vincent Castiglia. A Film by John Borowski. Part Two
In part two of this feature, we take a look at the work of award winning independent film maker John Borowski,
His “historical horror” trilogy of documentary films focus on late nineteenth and early twentieth century serial killers. enFOCUS: As with any medium of art, the artist does what they do because they have to. But what drove you to pursue your particular field in both film and genre? JB: I always loved film, especially horror films. I couldn't get enough of horror films when I was younger. I even studied and practiced special makeup effects because that was what I was interested in as a career choice. When I was a teenager, I began filming 8mm movies with the makeup effects I created and eventually went to Columbia College in Chicago for filmmaking. My love of horror films seemed to fit perfectly with the true crime genre so after making my first film on H.H. Holmes, I decided to continue in the true crime genre and now have four feature documentary films completed. enFOCUS: So the majority of your prominent work deals with the psyche of serial killers. What was your inspiration in making these documentaries? |
JB: I was always interested in abnormal psychology, especially as it relates to serial killers. It was my intention to tell their stories in an educational, yet entertaining manner. I see my films as historical horror because since I focus on pre 1940's serial killers, the history of the time period and the location where they hunted their victims is especially relevant to the case. I am fascinated by the early psychological and forensics studies in these cases because the serial killers went undetected for so long due to lack of crime detection techniques. My interest lies in cases that have been solved because there is a sense of closure when they are apprehended and/or executed. There are many unsolved cases such as the Axeman of New Orleans or Jack the Ripper, but those cases do not interest me as much as a serial killer who has been caught and their mind studied.
enFOCUS: One of your films, Albert Fish, has been called “one of the most disturbing film ever made”. How do you psych yourself up for the creation of a film like this and how do you separate yourself from the true life horror?
JB: Since these cases occurred so long ago, I feel there is some distancing from my personal feelings. Of course I feel awful about the tortures and murders that Fish committed on children but his case is history and I feel ALL of history should be studied, even dark history. The serial killers are souls in torment. They are more fascinating than the victims. I see my work as pure research and telling the story but I am just as interested in the cases of serial killers as almost everyone else is. It is a natural fascination to wonder why other humans commit multiple murders and continue to live a duality in their lives.
enFOCUS: When not filmmaking what do you like to watch?
JB: I watch all genres of films and movies, even family films! I would like to make a family film one day. Other genres I like are comedy, sci-fi and fantasy. As more new films come out, I find myself watching more classic films because those were created in the style that I enjoy. They truly engage the viewer on an emotional level more so than contemporary films. I feel that the music score is something that is desperately missing form modern cinema. I also feel that the horror and comedy genres have died and need a true resurgence as possibly one or two decent films in these genres are released every year or two.
enFOCUS: What inspired you to make Bloodlines? Tell us a bit about this film.
JB: Vincent's work inspired me to create the film Bloodlines. I have always had an appreciation of all types of art and Vincent Castiglia is one of our modern masters. His painting in human blood only intensifies my fascination with his work as an artist. The film will focus on Vincent's life and his inspiration for his work but also the process by which he creates his art. I feel he is an important contemporary artist and his work should be documented in a film.
enFOCUS: In many ways both you and Vincent are a bit “unconventional” in your work. Do you feel a bit of a kindred spirit?
JB: After meeting and spending time with Vincent, I did feel we had a bond together, which is rare for me. Vincent turned me on to the idea of Jung's called Synchronicity, which is about several events being meaningfully related and that certain events in life occur for a reason. Vincent is a pleasure to spend time with as he is intelligent, creative, and respectful, which are traits that I see within myself.
enFOCUS: When and what can we expect from Bloodlines? What can we expect next?
JB: I urge anyone interested to contribute to the fundraiser on Kickstarter, because without the success of the fundraiser, the film may not continue into production. Contributions can be made at: https://www.kickstarter.com/projects/1707661554/bloodlines-the-art-and-life-of-vincent-castiglia - I am also working on several other documentaries, a couple of books, a feature film, and a TV show. The best way to view updates on my future projects is at my site: http://johnborowski.com
enFOCUS: One of your films, Albert Fish, has been called “one of the most disturbing film ever made”. How do you psych yourself up for the creation of a film like this and how do you separate yourself from the true life horror?
JB: Since these cases occurred so long ago, I feel there is some distancing from my personal feelings. Of course I feel awful about the tortures and murders that Fish committed on children but his case is history and I feel ALL of history should be studied, even dark history. The serial killers are souls in torment. They are more fascinating than the victims. I see my work as pure research and telling the story but I am just as interested in the cases of serial killers as almost everyone else is. It is a natural fascination to wonder why other humans commit multiple murders and continue to live a duality in their lives.
enFOCUS: When not filmmaking what do you like to watch?
JB: I watch all genres of films and movies, even family films! I would like to make a family film one day. Other genres I like are comedy, sci-fi and fantasy. As more new films come out, I find myself watching more classic films because those were created in the style that I enjoy. They truly engage the viewer on an emotional level more so than contemporary films. I feel that the music score is something that is desperately missing form modern cinema. I also feel that the horror and comedy genres have died and need a true resurgence as possibly one or two decent films in these genres are released every year or two.
enFOCUS: What inspired you to make Bloodlines? Tell us a bit about this film.
JB: Vincent's work inspired me to create the film Bloodlines. I have always had an appreciation of all types of art and Vincent Castiglia is one of our modern masters. His painting in human blood only intensifies my fascination with his work as an artist. The film will focus on Vincent's life and his inspiration for his work but also the process by which he creates his art. I feel he is an important contemporary artist and his work should be documented in a film.
enFOCUS: In many ways both you and Vincent are a bit “unconventional” in your work. Do you feel a bit of a kindred spirit?
JB: After meeting and spending time with Vincent, I did feel we had a bond together, which is rare for me. Vincent turned me on to the idea of Jung's called Synchronicity, which is about several events being meaningfully related and that certain events in life occur for a reason. Vincent is a pleasure to spend time with as he is intelligent, creative, and respectful, which are traits that I see within myself.
enFOCUS: When and what can we expect from Bloodlines? What can we expect next?
JB: I urge anyone interested to contribute to the fundraiser on Kickstarter, because without the success of the fundraiser, the film may not continue into production. Contributions can be made at: https://www.kickstarter.com/projects/1707661554/bloodlines-the-art-and-life-of-vincent-castiglia - I am also working on several other documentaries, a couple of books, a feature film, and a TV show. The best way to view updates on my future projects is at my site: http://johnborowski.com
