It was an earlier released (though I think made at the same time) take on Henry Lee Lucas/Otis Toole, less graphic and more straightforward, but still pretty nasty, with a great central turn from Robert A Burns in his only lead role. Intercut between this is images of the grizzly aftermath of his killings. The opening 10 to 15 minutes are extremely effective, as we follow Henry (Michael Rooker) while he is on the prowl looking for his next victims. On a more related note though, the 1985 film Confessions of a Serial Killer is well worth a watch if (and only if) you can get a hold of the uncut version. Henry Portrait of a Serial Killer (1986) is a dark and terrifying film. My favourite killer picture, although the technically sublime Austrian spree killer classic Angst comes close and I have a big soft spot for the German art shocker Schramm. And while I wouldn't go as far as John McNaughton, who has suggested that by (or possibly after) a fifth viewing it becomes a comedy, there's definitely a streak of ultra queasy humour to it that too binds it all together. Michael Rooker, Tom Towles and Tracey Arnold are all superb, bringing a human connection that makes the violence all the more unsettling. Uncompromisingly bleak and real, the more fanciful moments coming off as a serial killer's actual fancies. But then he's actually just a big friendly chap so they always actually felt better after.Īnyway this is wonderful stuff. I like the story about Michael Rooker working out the times people tended to walk out of screenings and then going and hiding behind the doors to give them a fright. The violence in the film is extremely confronting. I have no doubt that this film would've skyrocked Rooker's acting career. Early audiences were treated to a title card before Henry: Portrait of a Serial Killer that informed them that the film was based on the crimes of a man named Henry, but is a work of fiction. He comes off as such a sad and broken individual that the viewer is almost made to feel sorry for him. The film is based on the crimes and confessions of Henry Lee Lucas, a serial killer arrested in Texas in 1983. There's also a moment of voyeurism where we watch Henry and his accomplice admire their murders on a television. The film is shot similar to a documentary, which makes it seem almost too real at times. Though this is the only film I've had to actually stop halfway through and take a break from.Ī few notes I took away from watching it: I'm normally totally fine with watching horror movies, most times I'll watch them on my own, turn the lights off and just try to get as scared as possible. This isn't my 'favourite' serial-killer genre film but damn is it close. So I recently just watched this after being recommended it by a few users here and wow.what a movie.
#Henry portrait of a serial killer series
Synopsis: Henry, a drifter, commits a series of brutal murders, supposedly operating with impunity.
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