Bloodlines: The Art and Life of Vincent Castiglia DVD Review (Waterfront Productions)

Bloodlines: The Art and Life of Vincent Castiglia is a 2018 documentary directed by John Borowski (H.H. Holmes: America’s First Serial Killer, Serial Killer Culture, Albert Fish: In Sin He Found Salvation, Carl Panzram: The Spirit of Hatred and Vengeance, & Serial Killer Culture TV). Castiglia is the first American artist to receive a solo exhibition invitation from Oscar Award-winning artist, H.R. Giger to exhibit at the H.R. Giger Museum. He is known for his work on The Sleep, Gravity, Stings of the Lash, Feeding, The Stare, Multiply Thy Sorrow, & The Great Whore. Vincent Castiglia paints in human blood. The haunting, yet beautiful, surreal images portray human bodies in various forms of decay. The reasons why Castiglia began painting in blood are explored in this emotional rollercoaster ride portrayed on film. The subject of art as a healing force is confronted in this documentary, which begins as a ride through the hell of child abuse & drug addiction. From the darkness comes light. Castiglia’s story is one of inspiration and hope. Proof that art can heal and inspire others.

Bloodlines is a inspirational & thought provoking look at the life of artist Vincent Castiglia. He is famous for painting with human blood but there’s so much more to this story. He went though hell with his mother at a young age. He almost died a few times due to his drug addictions. He is a talented musician & tattoo artist also. He’s done artwork for both the music & movie business. He’s gained the respect of legends Kerry King, Gregg Allman, & H.R. Giger. He’s appreciated by the likes of Damien Wayne Echols, Margaret Cho, Gary Holt, Randy Blythe, Anthony Timpone, & many others. He has sacrificed his health to make art which lead to various hospital trips & stays. It shows his unique process of his creations. You feel the struggle & redemption within his experiences. John Borowski is one of the best documentary filmmakers around & Bloodlines holds up with the rest of his quality work over the years! I didn’t know what to expect with this but I was very impressed with the end result, HIGHLY RECOMMENDED!!!!

Let’s discuss the DVD release forBloodlines: The Art and Life of Vincent Castiglia from Waterfront Productions! “H.R. Giger Museum, Bar, & Ghost Train” is almost 8 minutes. Director John Borowski talks about H.R. Giger’s influence on him & his experience of seeing Alien for the very first time. It takes you on a tour in the museum, it shows all kinds of artwork & props from the master artist. It has a few additional & expanded interviews from others featured in the documentary including a “Species” story. “Damien Echols Extended Interview” is almost 6 minutes. Echols is best known for the West Memphis 3 case & all the HBO documentaries made on the situation. He talks about art helping him through prison. He is very passionate about artwork & the motivation it gave him. He chats about his life now & how it’s changed. “Tom Gabriel Fischer Extended Interview” is a little over 7 minutes. He is known for being in the bands Hellhammer, Celtic Frost, & Triptykon. He was the personal assistant to H. R. Giger from 2007 until his death. He chats about Vincent Castiglia’s artwork offending people & being controversial since it’s painted from human blood. After awhile, he’s going to the deep end & gets off subject into his own little world, I can see why this was edited down in the film but it’s still interesting to watch. “Drawing John Borowski’s Blood” is a little over 2 minutes. It shows the director donating his blood & getting ready to be painted from it. “John Borowski Visits Facebook” is a little over 3 minutes. Director John Borowski goes to the Chicago Facebook office & gets a ban lifted off his campaign for the film. “Production Photos Slideshow” is a little over 4 minutes & it shows various pics from the feature. It has “Trailers” from various Borowski projects including Serial Killer Culture, Albert Fish: In Sin He Found Salvation, Carl Panzram: The Spirit of Hatred and Vengeance, Serial Killer Culture TV, & more! It’s available everywhere right now, check it out!!!!