Japan's Darkest Secret is America's Newest Nightmare
Released by: Unearthed Films
Release Date: January 2016
Production Year: 2015
Region Code: 1
Running Time: 1:38
Audio: English Dolby Digital 2.0
Video: 1080p (1:85:1 Aspect Ratio)
Subtitles: None
The Film – [4/5]:
"Don't leave me." Piercing hand-scrawled pleas become a nauseating, yearning pulp of hope, entwined in sickly codependency of the experimental test subjects in "Bloodshock", the second in a series of eight American Guinea Pig films. This installment is a demented love story that will "punch you in the soul" in the words of iconic visionary author and Executive Producer, Stephen Biro.
Actors, Dan Ellis and Lillian McKinney had their work cut out for them, as they had no lines in the entire film. Given this circumstance, they each needed to be overtly expressive to convey pain, anger, disdain, exhaustion and a whole gamut of emotions without relying on the crutch of dialogue. Both were in different places within the torture chain, and it's brilliantly moving how Lillian was able to dim the light behind her eyes and seemingly fall into the pit of despair where her character had just given up. This paired with Dan's tenacity and overwhelmingly realistic responses to the physical malfeasance will undoubtedly make you cringe repeatedly on the edge of your seat. Expect a pang of nausea when you reach Dan's foot scene. The greatest feat is the empathy you will feel for these nameless, voiceless characters. Although their situations are dire, Dan and Lillian's characters are relatable and you will care about them as people.
To say this film is a social commentary is an understatement. You may question your views on love, relationships and even the death penalty by the end. This isn't just mindless blood and gore. Director, Marcus Koch, wants this film to haunt you, and he succeeds. You will continue pondering Bloodshock with each rewatch and you'll be eager to get your next fix from this dealer of the macabre.
Audio – [5/5]:
With the overall lack of dialogue, sound becomes a character in itself. A menacing metronome clicks away repetitive and intensifying patterns, moaning bassy throbs pulse through dull pains and tension mounts as the torture escalates to a crescendo in a vivid Miike-esque symphony of eroticism and madness. Kristian Day, Gene Palubicki and Jimmy ScreamerClauz are seasoned musicians that brought the sound of "Bloodshock" to life. With eerie tones and background notes fluidly swirling your tympanic membranes and fueling this film we have undeniable proof that these three are a dream trio.
Video – [4/5]:
Veteran director and SFX guru, Marcus Koch, helms this stunning visual assault that can only be considered art. Filmed in HD digital, a slight grainy effect was achieved to give the film a throwback stark realism that could easily parallel the early works of Richard Kern. As the film builds in intensity, the richness of the black hues give way to sepia tones, then sickly pale blood appears like the butcher paper bottom of an old ribeye, turning to the shocking blast of the crimson finale. Subtlety reigns as the viewer will not notice the transition until that bold ending.
Most exciting is the growth of Marcus Koch as a director. Known for cult favorites like "Rot", "Fell" and "100 Tears", Marcus shows maturity and beauty in his filmmaking style. The cinematography brings a dimension that almost seems like Hitchcock at times. This is truly a gripping and intense film.
Special Features – [4.5/5]:
In the Unearthed Films tradition, physical media is made with the collector in mind, and special features are plentiful and make it worth choosing physical media over a digital copy to gain access to these behind-the-scenes gems.
The star of these is the "FX Preproduction of Bloodshock". Marcus Koch is a staunch believer in the authenticity of the facade, meaning he will never use real blood or organs to achieve an effect. With his team (Cat Bernier and Melanie Dean) at Oddtopsy Effects, he painstakingly builds each silicone piece to meticulously match human anatomy, with unprecedented time and research spent to achieve the appropriate texture, consistency and overall accuracy of the piece.
You'll feel like you're kicking back and having a beer with old friends while listening to the "Commentary with Marcus Koch and Stephen Biro". Quirky stories from the set and the harrowing account of Marcus' near death experience while filming make this extra a must hear. Set pieces, symbolism and future plans are also discussed, making you an instant insider.
Learn the origins of the American Guinea Pig series from inception and acquisition of the rights to the original Japanese Guinea Pig films on the "Interviews with Marcus Koch and Stephen Biro". Most interesting is each man's perspective on the film and their contributions to create the final masterpiece.
The "Exclusive Stills Gallery" gives an insider's glance behind the scenes to make you feel like you were right there during the filming. Take a virtual macabre mini-vacation and check these out. And while you're at it, there are some really great trailers included of the latest and greatest Unearthed Films.
Overall Rating – [4.5/5]:
