“John Borowski's film: "H.H. Holmes, America's First
Serial Killer", is a tapestry of archival images, dramatic re-creations
and interviews held together by an eerie narration. Here he is, in all his
gory glory, one of the great american monsters, Herman Webster Mudgett, a.k.a.
H.H. Holmes.”
Joe Coleman, artist - Visit his WEBSITE
“A well-done, absorbing look at a relatively little-known
but very interesting character. Like Holmes' castle of horrors, this documentary
unfolds layer by appalling layer, slowly revealing the facts of a life dedicated
to subterfuge, domination, torture, and death. Not to be missed by anyone
interested in the workings of the deviant mind.”
Poppy Z. Brite, author - Visit her WEBSITE
email 5/24/04
The DVD of the Holmes film just arrived on Friday and I couldn't resist to
watch it immediately. I enjoyed the film very much and I'm amazed how you
were able to tell the story so interestingly and yet stay strictly attached
to the facts. I read a lot about H.H.Holmes and many other famous mastermind
criminals before I watched the film, including Harold Schechters book "Depraved".
Holmes is definitely one of the most interesting criminal masterminds of the
nineteenth century and you deserve credit for being the one who first recognized
that this story needs to be told on screen. The voice of the narrator Tony
Jay was indeed a perfect choice. Although I know the story by heart, I found
myself to really want to know what he is going to tell next. He is an artist
in his own right with this talent to tell a story. The story is very well
arranged in the film and camera movements and music/sounds are just perfect.
Although a lot is known about the many details of Holmes crimes described
in books and other records on the Holmes-Pitezel case, this film is special
in that it follows a clear line starting at Holmes childhood in Gilmanton.
A highlight of the film are the historic and contemporary photographs/film
sequences of the sites of the Holmes story. The beauty of the Gilmanton area
as portraied in the film is chilling if one imagines that this idyllic location
was the place that gave birth to one of the most dangerous and remorseless
killers that have ever walked the face of earth. The artistic mix of contemporary
filming and historic photography is the biggest plus of the film and makes
it interesting even for those audiences who have read books on the Holmes
case. ” -Henning
email 11/3/03
“I appreciate the immense effort and extensive research you have made
! Definitely keep up the good work. Your web site is also quite impressive
as well as very interesting and useful with the many various related links
included.” -Ronald
email 8/14/03
“I LOVED IT! I have a heavy interest in true crime, and your movie is
one of the better things I've seen! Any plans for a larger release? I sure
hope so.”
Ed Long, Creator of the Living Dead Dolls
email 8/12/03
“I would like to say that I was very impressed. You could tell that there
was a lot of work done for this and that you all had a passion for what you
were doing. I am making
plans to go see it again. If it were to ever come out on video or DVD I would
definitely purchase it. I again would like to say how much I enjoyed the film
and I hope that this is not the last film that will be seeing from you all.
I was very impressed and I applaud the independent film.” -Melissa
email 6/22/03
“One of the finest historical documentary drama's I ever seen. The work
of a consummate filmmaker, craftsman and historian at his best. And the definite
last word on the subject in this medium. It may have taken you three years
and a great deal of effort. But it's all up there on screen in one superlative
piece of work. I don't think I've ever seen a better documentary on a criminal
case than yours.
If you never did anything else, than this effort alone would stand the test of time.
As a tribute to your ability as documentarist and artist, and
I salute you for it. It show's what can be done with a limited amount of money.
When you add in a lot of hard work, time and creative passion as well. I thought
your understated and subtle style throughout was excellent. You never went
too far or overboard in detailing the case's history. Simply instead letting
the horror of it, speak for itself on many occasions. Which you then painted
into a highly informative and completely fascinating narrative. Which held
my brother and I totally spellbound throughout when we watched it. Let me
finish this letter by saying I think you have created a remarkably good film.
And that you are a real talent in the field as a documentary maker and researcher.”
Dale, Australia
email 6/19/03
“I've already watched it twice and all I can say is: Magnificent Achievement!
All the elements come together for a great total effect. The music score,
Tony Jay's narration, the crisp editing and forward movement of the story,
all are top notch. I'm generally not a huge fan of re-enactments in documentaries,
but yours are more accurate and atmospheric than most I've seen, and the cinematography
blends seamlessly with the archival films and photos.”
Rick Geary, author & illustrator
Send me an email and I will post it.