Henry: Portrait of a Serial Killer was hailed by audiences and critics alike when it was released in 1990 but the MPAA didn't have the same feeling. It was deemed too dark and too realistic. It was given the X rating. Not because of one particular scene, just because of the overall tone. It was made in '89 but because of the mPAA, it was not released untill '90. But through all it's troubles, it is now considered a modern classic and star Michael Rooker will forever be remembered because of it. Henry is based on serial killer Henry Lee Lucas and the film follows Henry through his spree of killing people at random. Henry is living in a small apartment with his friend Otis. When Otis's sister comes to town to stay with them, her and Henry begin to fall in love but Henry does not want anything to interrupt what he does. One night when Henry sees that Otis is becoming more violent, he begins taking Otis along for the killings, videotaping all their mayhem. Supremely directed by John McNaughton. The way he does the murder scenes early on is brilliant and original. Instead of showing the murders happen, he only shows us the aftermath as we HEAR what actually happened. The acting is supreme by all the actors includung Rooker, Tom Towles as Otis (a personal fave), and Tracy Arnold as the sister Becky.
***** outta *****
