Noted internationally for his thorough and enlightening documentaries on serial killers H.H. Holmes and Albert Fish, Chicago director John Borowski remains a humble soul. Though busy on a new project, he kindly took time to answer questions for Examiner on his past and his work.
Precocious: How long has John Borowski practiced film?
Since a young age Borowski has shown interest in filmmaking. He would critique films his mother took him to for his grade school classmates. Attention to painting, drawing and sculpting played into his interests later on, as he began to study and practice special makeup, “such as gore effects, prosthetics, and mask making.” John also displayed an early sense for vision behind the camera. “My best friend and I would film 8mm films in my backyard featuring the creatures we created.” Although it was clear the screen captivated him from the start, John’s primary college steps told a different story. “When I initially went to junior college I was interested in entering zoology, as I love animals, but then a friend mentioned the Columbia College film school, so I transferred there and began my filmmaking studies. I had seen so many films that I wanted to learn the technical aspects of making them.”
Focus: Where does John take aim when it comes to filmmaking?
Clearly, Borowski has tastes for the gruesome side of fame, as his three main pieces are documentaries on serial killers; what he calls the American Killer Trilogy. His attraction is chiefly fueled by a want to understand criminal psychology, but John admits the fascination stems from home too. “My sister fed me a healthy dose of the classic Universal Horror Films, and Son of Svengoolie was always a program I watched on Saturdays. My family was an older family, so many family members passed while I was growing up, so this may have contributed to my fascination with death. “ The past aside, Borowski proclaims his passion lies in Film as a spectrum, not merely in a singular vein. ”Several documentaries I have in the works now include: Serial Killer Culture - which examines artists inspired by serial killers, a biography on singer Baby Huey who performed around Chicago in the late 60’s, and a biography of artist Joe Coleman. All genres of film and art interest me. I would love to make family films some day, believe or not.”
Obstacles: What does it take to complete a film?
To date all of John’s projects are self-financed, and tend to spend years in production while he undertakes other employment to stay afloat. “Ideally I would like to achieve funding, but also have the creative control to create my vision of the film without interference. I have held many jobs and contractual positions such as office temp worker, dog walker, and veterinary technician at an animal hospital.” Naturally, it sounds overwhelming, but it is Borowski’s tenacious efforts that bring the pay off. “When I research a topic, I leave no stone unturned. ‘You are like a pitbull, John; once you grab hold you never let go,’ someone once said about me.” John’s extensive coverage for his first documentary, on H.H.Holmes, illustrates his dedication to research and accuracy. “I discovered Holmes while researching Chicago history for a college project. Years later I learned about his entire life, which fascinated me even more. Philadelphia provided the most research materials, as the Philadelphia Inquirer covered the trial, which was held at Philadelphia City Hall. Surprisingly, Chicago had the least amount of information on Holmes other than coverage in the Tribune. Research materials for many early crime cases are sadly nonexistent due to poor archiving capabilities over time. “ John’s curiosity took him more than just between Chicago and Pennsylvania in search for Holmes. He hit other key points of the Holmes story. “An interesting experience was sleeping in a bed and breakfast in Gilmanton, New Hampshire, and looking out the window of the room and seeing the house where Holmes grew up in right next door.” Clearly, John Borowski is a man who undauntedly strives for the full story.
Success: What fame has John seen in his day?
More than simply a local name, John Borowksi has touched several corners of the world with his work to find a likeminded audiences. “My films are distributed, screened, and been featured in articles in many countries throughout the world. Recently, the Swedish rock band Sparzanza created a song called ‘Mr. Fish,’ based on the elder cannibal, Albert Fish. After giving them permission, the band used some of Tony Jay’s narration from my film in the song. Eminem used the audio from the opening of H.H.Holmes without even asking me, so I was glad that Sparzanza asked permission first. The band asked me to direct the music video for ‘Mr. Fish,’ which will be released sometime in the near future. “
Direction: Where does John see himself after his upcoming (and third) documentary?
Though John has shown a keen eye that would serve well in feature films, and certainly has the passion for them, he feels that documentaries are the way to go right now. “I can piece documentaries together over years with whatever funds I have at the time. A feature film requires the entire production budget to be available at one time. “ When asked if there are indeed any features in the future, he revealed,“I am currently writing a feature film, and have dozens of treatments for more features. It is a great thing that fundraising sites such as kickstarter have been created to help artists raise money for financing their projects. “ He commented further that a festival called The Crime Scene will be taking place in Indianapolis on May 28th, and will involve the fundraising campaign for his latest project
John is currently focusing on his third documentary - on Carl Panzram. The funding site Indie Go Go hosts his campaign for completion funds. For more information on John Borowski, please visit www.johnborowski.com or read his blog.
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