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From Amazon.co.uk
Most horror films exist in a fantasy movie-world safely removed from our existence, populated by zombie-like killers and psychopathic madmen. The power of Henry: Portrait of a Serial Killer is its chilling placement in the mundane existence of everyday life. Michael Rooker plays Henry not as a raving psychopath but as the frumpy guy next door, a drifter who takes out his frustrations on random victims and escalates his body count after teaming up with the violent ex-con Otis (Tom Towles). Though not exceedingly gory in light of the excesses of such fantasy horrors as the Friday the 13th and Nightmare on Elm Street series, director John McNaughton's straightforward presentation and documentary-like style creates a chilling realism that many viewers will find hard to watch. McNaughton neither comments on nor flinches at the brutal violence, which reaches its apex in a disturbing camcorder-eye view of a particularly sadistic murder of a middle-class couple, with Henry and Otis smiling through the deed as they record it for their continued pleasure. Henry straddles the line between True Crime (though fictional, the story was inspired by the confessions of real-life serial killer Henry Lee Lucas) and horror, a bleak, brutal kind of terror for a generation deadened by the escalating outrageousness of movie murders and nightly news crime scene clips. --Sean Axmaker, Amazon.com
Product Description
A highly controversial film that took several years to be released on video. Henry (Michael Rooker) works as an exterminator and murders strangers for fun. He lives with drug dealer Otis (Tom Towles) and Otis's sister, Becky (Tracy Arnold), who has moved in with them to escape her abusive husband. When Henry shows Otis the ins and outs of serial killing, Otis takes to it with enthusiasm.
Customer Reviews
Most Helpful Customer Reviews
8 of 9 people found the following review helpful
By Litania
Format:DVD
This is a disturbing film. Yes it has the blood and gore elements but they are quite redundant. What makes this movie so horrible is partly the fact that these people could your neighbours or relatives and you wouldn't have a clue, and partly their indifference to what is going on. The acting is good considering what they must have shooting some of the scenes. The overall atmosphere of the film is very fascinating - apathetic, deranged, careless. Even if you don't sympathize with what they do or why they do it, you cannot help being dragged into their twisted minds. It's all the more disturbing to find out that the real life of Henry Lee Lucas was even worse than the events of the film.
8 of 9 people found the following review helpful
By A Customer
Format:DVD
"Henry" has a well deserved cult reputation. The films ability to shock and numb audiences is spoken in tones everytime its talked about. The film centres on a loner called Henry,who has murderous impulses. He lives with former prison mate, Otis, who sells drugs to young boys. Otis brings his sister, Becky, as she has left her abusive husband. This makes things complicated ans Otis feels neglected as he thinks Henry and her are getting close. Near the end, everything comes to a head and i wont give away the ending. This is loosely based on a real life killer named Henry Lee Lucas, who claimed to have killed 300 people. Despite its grim subject, this is essential yet disturbing viewing. Killers in other films like Hannibal Lecter are portrayed as anti heroic and quite comic at times. Henry, on the other hand, there is absolutley nothing to like about him. He kills with no remorse and it doesnt matter who dies either (even though they are mostly women). What makes this film effective is not the deaths we see, its the aftermath of some of them and the only thing we hear are the sounds of them dying. Its the power of using the imagination what makes it scary. This is not for everyone. But if you have a strong stomach or are curious, this is definitley something that you will not forget
2 of 2 people found the following review helpful
By A Customer
Format:DVD
I am refering to the VHS version and also I must point out to you that I have the UNCUT version which I bought from Amsterdam. The BBFC here cut out a very crucial scene that the director of the movie, John McNaughton was mystified by, due to the fact it explains so much about Henry and you the viewer, we all become voyeurs in Henry's twisted world. Anyway I am hoping that as it comes closer to the time we will find out if this DVD version is the same as the one in Europe and the US, I do hope so, being that I am totally opposed to censorship. First let me say that this movie is not for everyone, it's like no other serial killer movie you've seen. You are placed along side Henry and Ottis on a relentless murder spree, killing anyone, with anything. There are no heroic police detectives on there tail, no Denzal Washingtons or Jodie Fosters and above all NO HOLLYWOOD ENDING! This was the point of this movie, to show that it can happen to anyone, from any background or lifestyle. Henry is relentless, disturbing, frightning and just plain nasty. Serial Killer movies should have stopped here... The Oscar goes to Mr McNaughton. Watch it and be DISTURBED!
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3.9 out of 5 stars
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Most Recent Customer Reviews
1.0 out of 5 stars
faulty disc
this disc went blank half way through the film did not report it because i did
not think it was worth bothering. well you did ask for feedback.
not think it was worth bothering. well you did ask for feedback.
Published 1 day ago by Mr. Harry Mccullough
4.0 out of 5 stars
Be careful, you will remember it...
This 1986 film deals with the very American subject, of the man-next-door serial killer. Henry is not raving mad, and holds down a regular job at times. Read more
Published 28 days ago by Mr. P. Johnson
5.0 out of 5 stars
A truly unforgettable experience
The tagline to this film is "He's not Freddy. He's not Jason. He's real.", and this is why this notorious little shocker is so good. Read more
Published 1 month ago by DeclanCochran
4.0 out of 5 stars
Violent, gritty and hard to forget!
Partly based on serial killer Henry Lee Lucas, the film focuses on the everyday life of Henry (Michael Rooker), a serial killer that tends to target women. Read more
Published 1 month ago by D Brown
5.0 out of 5 stars
Dark and Disturbing but Not Really a Horror
First of this film is not about Henry Lee Lucas. If anything it is an imagining based on the general story of Mr Lucas. Read more
Published 3 months ago by Leven1
1.0 out of 5 stars
save your money!
just lately i seemed to be ready to watch a 'decent'film,only to be massively,hugely dissappointed--and this film follows in those exact same footsteps. Read more
Published 8 months ago by lady anna
1.0 out of 5 stars
Absolute Rubbish
What a load of rubbish,bodies everywhere,poor acting,terrible storyline and totally unconvincing. dont waste your money on this load of crap.
Published 11 months ago by MR COLIN A BUCK
1.0 out of 5 stars
Utter rubbish
I know that this film is pretty old so therefore very dated but oh my god! complete rubbish. I want a refund!!
Published 11 months ago by CarlyW
5.0 out of 5 stars
Rooker is superb
Make no mistake this film will leave you wanting a hot bath after watching.
Yes in places Henry is a gruesome film, but that should not take away from the stunning... Read more
Yes in places Henry is a gruesome film, but that should not take away from the stunning... Read more
Published 16 months ago by Colonel Decker
3.0 out of 5 stars
Not For The Faint-Hearted!!!
This film is like a snuff movie in parts (not that I'd know). I say this because of the ultra-realistic-looking blood and gore - good job, make-up team - and the sounds: when he... Read more
Published 21 months ago by Lucie Magoo
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