- Actors: Michael Rooker, Tom Towles
- Director: John McNaughton
- Format: Subtitled, Widescreen
- Language: English
- Subtitles: English
- Region: Region A/1
- Number of discs: 1
- Rated: Unrated
- Studio: MPI HOME VIDEO
- Release Date: December 6, 2016
- Run Time: 82 minutes
The character of
Henry is based loosely on the real-life serial killer Henry Lee Lucas,
including many of the facts about the killer’s life in the movie. There are
some changes, but the relationship that the serial killer has with an ex-con
friend was borrowed from reality. The murders in the film, however, were taken
from the countless lies that Lucas told once in prison. He confessed to crimes
that he hadn’t committed once he had already been sentenced. The element of
truth is part of what makes Henry:
Portrait of a Serial Killer so disturbing, much like In Cold Blood. The fabricated murders simply add to the myth of the
man.
Completed in
1986, it took years for Henry to finally reach public audiences. There were
issues with MPAA decisions and the producer’s inability to recognize the
low-budget genius of director John McNaughton’s film. The film was shot on 16
mm in less than a month’s time, but even during the initial limited theatrical
release it ended up making six times what it cost. Since then it has become a
cult classic, giving credit to the simple disturbing elements of the film.
The highlight of
the film is Michael Rooker’s performance as Henry. Even when the film hadn’t
yet been released, the attention from this performance was enough to build up
Rooker’s career. He is frightening because of how normal he can often appear,
rationally thinking through his violent actions. While most serial killers are
portrayed as compulsive and emotional about their killing, Henry just seems to
do it to pass the time. To him it is no different than going to a bar to try
and pick up on a girl. The kill is a challenge for him and variety is the only
way that he stays discreet.
A 16mm film is
obviously not going to look as good as a 35mm when presented in high
definition, but this is the best version that I have seen of Henry. Though it is full-screen, because
that is how it was first presented, the picture clarity is sharper than DVD. This
isn’t the first time Henry has been released on Blu-ray, but the Anniversary Edition
comes with a collection of mostly new extras.
Along with the
commentary track featuring director John McNaughton and a vintage interview
with the filmmaker from 1998, there are several features about the historical
significance of the film. “In Defense of Henry” is an appreciation of the film,
whereas “Henry vs. MPAA” gives a visual history of the lengthy process of
rating this disturbing film. Additional interviews include a BBFC conversation
with “Nightmare USA”
author, Stephen Thrower, as well as an interview with artist Joe Coleman. There
is also a making-of documentary and a collection of additional footage,
including deleted scenes and outtakes, and a mass of promotional materials.
Entertainment Value:
7/10
Quality of
Filmmaking: 8/10
Historical
Significance: 9/10
Special Features: 8.5/10
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