American Guinea Pig: Bloodshock — American Guinea Pig: Bloodshock(DVD, Blu Ray,CD)

Bloodshock is the second chapter in the American version of the Guinea Pig series- which of course started off as a sequence  of short Japanese of films back in the 80’s. Featuring extreme & intense  special effects, prolonged torture, and little or no story. As a long term fan of all forms of extreme art( be it music, sound, art, or film)- I was aware of, and had read about the series. But had never really felt the urge to investigate them, due to the real lack of story/point to these films…so when I read Bloodshock was attempting to inject more story/ depth into the series I decided I’d give it a look.

Here we have the deluxe three disc version of the film, taking in DVD, Blu-Ray, and CD soundtrack. And I must say Unearthed Films/MVD Visual really have pulled out the stops with the extras, taking in two commentaries- one by the director & writer, and the one by cast members. You also a host of ten minute interviews, behind the scene footage, Days of The Dead Q&A, production videos, deconstructing of the themes behind the film, etc. So you certainly get a full & definitive presentation of the film.

The films plot starts with a man waking up in a padded cell, then over the films hour & a half running time, he is tortured, mutilated &  mentally/psychically broken. Mixed in to this you have a sub-plot of passing messages back & forth, between his neighbour in the next cell.

The film is shot for of most its run-time in black & white, so this really enhances the stark ‘n’ bleak brutality & building intensity of the whole thing. And really that is the key focus  of the film- to make you feel as uncomfortable, on-the-edge, and constantly flinch bound as much as possible. As the tension & level of torture is ramped up & up, until the seriously intense & blood soaked finale is reached.

Yes, there is a plot here, as well a story arc,  but it’s vague & really open to ones own interpretation. The key point here certainly is the torture & it’s impact,  the special effects  & generally making you feel  as  mentally brutalised as possible…this not in any shape or form a easy ride, and there is zero let-up thorough-out.

The whole thing is filmed & constructed well, with the filming style moving from bleak fly-on-the-wall documentary like. Onto prolonged & extreme close-ups, through to the odd more grim arty like filming. The acting is mainly good & convincing, with the man/main victim (played by Dan Elis) - certainly giving it his all. And really his pained, confused, anguished, and disturbed performance really helps sell the whole thing. The sound design is also key here with the sound of body blows, limb sawing, and general torture relate audio often heightened beyond normal levels. Added to this we get a slightly more formal sound-track based around a blend of sour & wonky drones, slurred & unwell industrial texturing, and occasional more pacey/ beat bound moments. Topping  all this we off course have the black & white film stock, and this adds that extra level of grimness to the proceedings.

Ultimately I respected & appreciate what Bloodshock is, and that it's makers & actors have certainly created a truly intense, extreme, and confrontational bit of film-making. Whether it’s changed my mind about the Guinea Pig series in general, or if I’d ever want to watch it again I’m unsure. But if you have penchant for extreme film- you do really need to experience Bloodshock.