Henry: Portrait of a Serial Killer

One of the most notorious films of the 1980s still terrifies. Serial killer Henry serves as mentor to dim-witted fellow killer Otis and as the object of his sister's affections. Trouble is, Henry's heart is too hard for friendship to penetrate. Disturbing, chilling and full of knockout power, this cult classic includes a half-hour interview with writer-director John McNaughton.

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» Reviewed by 2 people

Henry has repeatedly been referred to as the most disturbing movie ever made. I think what makes it so terrifying is that there is no effort to glamorize or humanize the killers; they feel no remorse and are not really punished for their actions. Michael Rooker and Tom Towles are excellent and avoid the temptation to portray these characters as over the top or flamboyant. The realistic tone really adds to the disturbing nature of the film. While I don't think this is the most disturbing movie that I have ever seen, it is quite brutal and a worthy rental for fans of serial killer movies.
- Brody

I watched this on IFC's Grindhouse Cinema. If anything, it's not as violent as I was expecting, but it was entertaining. Supposedly based on the life of serial killer Henry Lee Lucas, the worlds most prolific modern day serial killer, it showcased a serial killer smart enough to change his methods and not get caught. I was expecting a bloody horror movie based on the title, and yes, there was blood, and a little bit of horror, but overall, not that much. It was more about the fact that Henry could not have a natural relationship and that he dealt with things through violence. At least that's what I think. Michael Rooker played it to a T, very restrained but always looking like he could burst into violence the way that Julie Andrews always looks like she'll burst into song. I really liked this film, and the unhappy ending made it even better. I can see why John McNaughton, the director, won accolades for this film. It's tightly directed, perfectly shot and cut. The focus isn't on the murders he commits, but on his relationship to his roommate Otis, who he met in prison, and Otis' sister, Becky. SPOILERSPACE Not much to tell. Becky leaves her husband and moves in with Otis. Henry was a killer long before she gets there, but while she's there, she begins to romance him. Ottis is jealous, but whether it's Becky or Henry is never stated. Henry introduces Otis to the joys of murder, into which the ex-con leaps like it's pool full of beer and candy. The two of them participate in several murders before it begins to unravel. And unravel it does, as Otis attempts to rape his sister, and Henry saves them. When Henry is knocked out, the sister jumps in and helps him kill Otis. After that, Henry and Becky ride off together into the sunset.
- psq 667824