Review of Henry: Portrait of a Serial Killer (1986) by Sam I — 15 Jul 2006

Filmed in 1985 and not released for five years there's a reason Henry has had such a difficult time getting seen in Director John McNaughton's original form. Based upon the life story of real life serial killer Henry Lee Lucas this is probably the most disturbingly realistic portrayl of murder ever put on screen.

There's nothing here to release you, no police, no reporter connecting Henry's random crimes, no sense that he's in danger of being stopped. From the still images of his victims in the opening credits to the horrendous videotaped murder in the middle of the film and the unresolved ending Henry is confrontational and upsetting.

Thanks to Michael Rooker's spectacular performance Henry is anything but an easy watch but it's a rewarding one for a horror fan.