DARK REALMS MAGAZINE REVIEW
H.H. Holmes: Americas First Serial Killer
Waterfront Productions (Unrated)
A diabolical serial killer constructs a castle-like house of horrors in the
middle of Victorian era Chicago then lures unsuspecting victims to gruesome,
torturous deaths. This may sound like a fictional work of gothic horror by Edgar
Allan Poe, but it is actually the true story of Americas first serial
murderer, H.H. Holmes. Independent filmmaker John Borowski delivers a chilling
documentary that chronicles the killers life and horrific crimes.
Holmes was an unassuming monster who coldly and methodically murdered at least
nine people, though many believe he may have killed more than 100 within the
confines of his sinister boarding house. The Castle, as it was called,
harbored a maze of passageways, torture chambers, and a dungeon that held acid
baths, lye pits and a crematorium for disposing bodies. A true sociopathic criminal,
his cruelty and greed knew no bounds and even led him to strip the flesh from
his victims bones and sell their skeletons to the local medical school.
Presented as a grim biography, the well-researched film documents the testimony
and professional opinions of a criminal profiler, a police forensic expert,
and H.H. Holmes historian Harold Schechter. Even more impressive is the fact
that writer/director John Borowski shot and produced the film on a very limited
budget, relying on clever camera work, moody reenactments and authentic photos
and newspaper articles from the 19th century to deliver an intelligent and convincingly
realistic tale of terror. An added touch of class is lent to the production
by the top-notch musical score from Douglas Romayne Stevens and the solemn narration
of Shakespearean actor Tony Jay whose somber tones echo throughout the presentation
with grave resonance. Recommended and well worth seeking out at: www.hhholmesthefilm.com
Russell Williams, Dark
Realms Magazine Issue 17, January 2005