Henry: Portrait of a Serial Killer is a 1986 cult classic movie that depicts the life of a serial killer named Henry, played by Michael Rooker. The film is a chilling portrayal of a character who is cold, calculating, and utterly devoid of empathy. Directed by John McNaughton, the movie is presented in a stark, realistic style that is both disturbing and mesmerizing.
The story follows Henry, a drifter who arrives in Chicago and moves into an apartment with his roommate Otis, played by Tom Towles. Otis is a low-level criminal who introduces Henry to his sister Becky, played by Tracy Arnold. Henry and Becky quickly become close, and Henry seems to enjoy her company despite his brutal tendencies. However, it soon becomes clear that Henry's true nature is far more sinister than anyone could have imagined.
Throughout the movie, we see Henry commit a series of gruesome murders with a cold, detached demeanor. He is not motivated by any particular emotion or impulse; rather, he seems to kill simply because he can. The camera lingers on each murder, allowing the audience to fully appreciate the horror of what is happening. The violence is graphic and unrelenting, and there is no attempt to soften the impact of what we are seeing.
As the movie progresses, we see the relationship between Henry, Otis, and Becky become increasingly complex. Otis is fascinated by Henry's violent tendencies and begins to emulate him, committing his own murders and reveling in the power he feels. Becky, meanwhile, is torn between her loyalty to Otis and her growing fear of Henry. She is both attracted to and repelled by his seemingly magnetic personality, which makes her a complex and tragic character in her own right.
One of the most striking aspects of Henry: Portrait of a Serial Killer is its portrayal of violence. Unlike many movies that use violence for shock value or as a means of advancing the plot, this film presents it as an almost banal aspect of daily life. The murders occur not in moments of heightened emotion, but rather in mundane situations such as driving or doing laundry. This makes the violence all the more unsettling, as it reminds the audience that it can happen anywhere, at any time.
The movie is also notable for its gritty, low-budget aesthetic. Shot on 16mm film, it has a grainy, documentary-like quality that adds to its sense of realism. The acting is similarly naturalistic, with Rooker delivering a compelling and chilling performance as Henry. He is a character who is difficult to empathize with, but Rooker manages to make him compelling nonetheless.
Overall, Henry: Portrait of a Serial Killer is a difficult but rewarding movie to watch. It is a challenging work that forces the audience to confront the darkest aspects of human nature. It is not a film for everyone, but for those willing to brave its unsettling subject matter, it is an unforgettable experience. The 30th Anniversary Edition is a must-watch for fans of the movie, offering a restored version of the film and a wealth of behind-the-scenes material that sheds light on its creation.
Henry: Portrait of a Serial Killer: 30th Anniversary Edition is a 2016 horror movie with a runtime of 1 hour and 22 minutes.
