Review of Henry: Portrait of a Serial Killer (1986) by Jacob B — 17 Jun 2014

He killed his mama?

Henry is an eccentric man that has developed a friendship with Otis and his niece, Becky. Otis isn't too bright and is looking for direction and falls in nicely with Henry, a serial killer. Becky is unaware of their behavior and is trying to save up money to eventually get her daughter back. Otis and Henry go on a killing spree until Henry and Becky begin to fall in love. Otis may not take too kindly to that and his relationship with Henry starts to go astray.

"What was your daddy like?".

"He used to drive a truck until his legs got cut off.".

John McNaughton, director of Wild Things, Mad Dog and Glory, Speaking of Sex, The Harvest, and Expert Whiteness, delivers Henry: Portrait of a Serial Killer. The storyline for this is as good as any of the classics and in line with Texas Chainsaw Massacre with the great feel and authenticity on display throughout the film. The kill sequences are wonderful and the characters are believable and developed perfectly. The acting was better than I anticipated and includes Michael Rooker (easily his best film), Tom Towles, and Tracy Arnold.

"My mama was a whore. I don't fault her for that. It's not what she done but how she done it.".

I had heard about this film for years and finally got around to watching it off Netflix. This is a masterpiece and definitely belongs in my classic horror DVD collection (beside Texas Chainsaw Massacre and The Exorcist). The film has the perfect grit, pace, and run time and the conclusion is unbelievably well written (though all historically incorrect). I thoroughly enjoyed this film and will likely add this to my DVD collection.

"Where you going?".

"Nowhere. Want to come?".

Grade: A.