DVD Review: Sanguivorous

By Brad Henderson

What would be your definition of an experimental film? I honestly think all definitions are B.S. I say this because of the actual definition of experiment: a scientific procedure undertaken to make a discovery, test a hypothesis, or demonstrate a known fact. I don’t think any of these apply to film.

There may be a ton of people that disagree with me on the subject but I’m going to explain why I think that the term “experimental” should be thrown out the door when regarding film. I think most use it when they can’t comprehend or explain what they saw. Just because you don’t get it or understand what is happening, doesn’t give you the right just to throw a movie to the “experimental” pile. To explain it a little better: all films have a purpose and all mean something to someone.

I recently watched Sanguivorous, a “silent” vampire film. I say “silent” because the film has very little dialogue and what is there is mostly just in the very beginning. Once the story starts it becomes a silent film with an unnerving soundtrack.

Sanguivorous is about a woman who is having medical issues and finds out she’s descended from vampires. I can’t really say more than that because there really isn’t much more to tell without giving anything away. Also: the film is only 57 minutes long and it takes a while for it to get started.

One of the most interesting things in Sanguivorous is the cinematography. I can find little information about the flick other than that it was originally a touring play accompanied by a live orchestra. I would like to know more about the production since some of Sanguivorous looks like it was SOV (shot on video) and some looks like it might have been filmed with the very first camera that was ever invented.

I don’t think that Sanguivorous is for everyone. It isn’t a good date night film either, but I highly suggest watching it. Sanguivorous is a film that needs to be seen and consumed by everyone because it’s one that will stick with the audience. Anyone who sees it will remember it for years to come. I know I will.

Sanguivorous was released on DVD November 19, 2013 through Tidepoint Pictures.