Henry fits the generic description of a serial killer: male, drifter, bad childhood, around 30 years old, chooses victims at random. His roommate (and fellow loser) Otis was never really a killer; that is, until Henry showed him the ropes. They become partners in crime, and each act of buddy violence is more senseless than the last. Otis invites his younger sister Becky to live with them for awhile. An unlikely attraction between she and Henry develops, creating a rivalry between Henry and Otis. The tension builds to a simultaneously shocking yet not unexpected ending.
A film that actually benefits from its low budget, Henry is rated NC-17. Not for excessive nudity, or excessive gore, because neither of those would be true, but for the sheer terror this movie invokes with its sympathetic portrayal of a serial killer and his idiotic but sadistic friend. It is incredibly unsettling, but I don't think the NC-17 rating was deserved, even at the time. This was Michael Rooker's film debut, and I really don't think he could have asked for a better showcase for his talent. He's had a really impressive run playing creepy bad guys. Tom Towles' performance is also of note. I think he too has Henry to thank for his extensive career in horror films.
I salute you, John McNaughton. Thank you for making one of the greatest horror films of all time, for almost nothing. You are proof that it can be done.
Grade: A+
Posts
No comments:
Post a Comment