A Gritty Dive Into the Depths of Horror

Read Time:4 Minute, 29 Second

MOVIE REVIEW
Henry: Portrait of a Serial Killer (VHS)
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Genre: True Crime, Biography, Crime, Drama, Horror, Thriller, Serial Killer
Year Released: 1986, 2024 Dark Sky Selects VHS
Runtime: 1h 23m
Director(s): John McNaughton
Writer(s): Richard Fire, John McNaughton
Cast: Michael Rooker, Tracy Arnold, Tom Towles, Mary Demas, Anne Bartoletti, Elizabeth Kaden, Ted Kaden, Denise Sullivan, Anita Ores, Megan Ores, Cheri Jones
Where To Watch: VHS available now; order your copy here: www.selects.darkskyfilms.com

RAVING REVIEW: From the moment the screen flickers to life, HENRY: PORTRAIT OF A SERIAL KILLER drags us into its gritty world, where the line between human nature and monstrous violence is not just blurred but obliterated. This film is a stark departure from the typical gloss of mainstream horror, immersing us in a narrative so raw it could leave you questioning the very fabric of morality.

In the film, the urban decay surrounding Henry acts almost as a silent character, enhancing the unsettling tone of his story. Henry, portrayed with unnerving authenticity by Michael Rooker, navigates a life punctuated by violence so casual it’s terrifying. He is joined by his old prison mate, Otis (Tom Towles,) who descends into the abyss of brutality under Henry's influence. The arrival of Otis's sister, Becky (Tracy Arnold,) introduces a jarring juxtaposition—her innocence casts a stark light on the darkness enveloping the two men.

Rooker’s performance is a chilling anchor in this vortex. He captures Henry's detachment from reality with a precision that is as compelling as horrifying. The chemistry between Towles’ Otis and Arnold’s Becky adds intrigue to this grim tapestry, illustrating the tragic pull of family ties and the corruption of innocence.

Directed by John McNaughton, HENRY: PORTRAIT OF A SERIAL KILLER makes a significant impact with its 16mm footage, which gives the film an almost documentary-like authenticity that pulls the viewer deeper into its unsettling narrative. McNaughton’s vision is uncompromising, using the medium to force viewers to confront the film’s harsh realities head-on.

The MPAA initially slapped it with an X rating in 1986, but its official release was stalled until 1990, when it was finally shown uncut. This delay sparked a flurry of discussions on depicting violence in cinema, underscoring the film’s divergence from more sanitized horror flicks and challenging audiences to ponder the portrayal of genuine evil.

The VHS release of HENRY: PORTRAIT OF A SERIAL KILLER by Dark Sky Selects is a masterstroke in retro cinema, perfectly aligning with the film's raw and unpolished aesthetic. With its inherent graininess and color saturation, this format enhances the film's realism, enveloping viewers in a nostalgic experience that harks back to the era when horror first haunted the aisles of video stores. The choice to distribute this classic on VHS not only pays homage to its original viewing format but also intensifies the film's overall impact, making it feel even more authentic and unsettling. For fans and collectors, this release isn't just a trip down memory lane; it's a graphic encounter with the chilling tale of Henry, rendered in a medium that amplifies every eerie detail.

The narrative of HENRY: PORTRAIT OF A SERIAL KILLER is loosely woven from the life of real-world criminal Henry Lee Lucas, using his history as a backdrop to explore deeper themes of immorality and malevolence. The film doesn’t just recount Lucas’ atrocities but instead delves into the psychological underpinnings of such acts, offering a window into the mind of someone driven by the darkest impulses.

As a piece of cinematic history, HENRY: PORTRAIT OF A SERIAL KILLER has left an indelible mark on the genre, challenging filmmakers and audiences to reconsider the boundaries of horror and psychological drama. Its blunt portrayal of violence, free from the trappings of cinematic glorification, reflects personal ethics and the deeper, often hidden forces shaping human behavior.

This film is not just a viewing experience; it's a confrontation with the darkest sides of society and ourselves. It's a crucial piece of the horror canon that resonates with audiences, urging a reexamination of the monsters around and within us.

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[photo courtesy of DARK SKY SELECTS]

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