There are few movies quite like "Henry: Portrait of a Serial Killer." It's a grim, gruesome horror film loosely based on the real-life serial killers Henry Lee Lucas and Otis Toole. The movie was given an X rating upon its release in 1986 for its intense, unrelenting violence, but it managed to become a cult classic on VHS. The film would introduce the world to filmmaker John McNaughton and lead actor Michael Rooker, but it would also help inspire an entire generation of horror filmmakers. Along with other grimy horror movies like the 1980 film "Maniac," "Henry" served as a response to the supernatural silliness of many of the decade's popular slasher franchises. It is a brutal, stomach-churning experience that almost feels like it's obscene, like you shouldn't be watching it.
In an interview with RogerEbert.com to celebrate the film's 30th anniversary in 2016, McNaughton was asked about the origins of this disturbing bit of cinema.
In an interview with RogerEbert.com to celebrate the film's 30th anniversary in 2016, McNaughton was asked about the origins of this disturbing bit of cinema.
- 11/12/2022
- by Danielle Ryan
- Slash Film
This year marks the 30th anniversary of John McNaughton's Henry: Portrait of a Serial Killer, and Dark Sky Films will celebrate the seminal film's birthday with a theatrical release of the movie's 4K restoration on October 21st. Before that day arrives, though, star Michael Rooker and McNaughton will bring Henry home tonight with a screening and Q&A at the event where it premiered 30 years ago: the Chicago International Film Festival. Ahead of the special occasion, Daily Dead caught up with McNaughton to reflect on the making of his cult classic and the creation of one of cinema's most cold-blooded killers.
The performances and the way you shot Henry: Portrait of a Serial Killer make it feel so real while watching it. It feels like we found a tape from a real-life killer. When you were making the movie, was that one of your biggest objectives, to make it seem as real as possible?...
The performances and the way you shot Henry: Portrait of a Serial Killer make it feel so real while watching it. It feels like we found a tape from a real-life killer. When you were making the movie, was that one of your biggest objectives, to make it seem as real as possible?...
- 10/14/2016
- by Derek Anderson
- DailyDead
When Wilfred and.Lowdown co-creator Adam Zwar was in high school and university, he was fairly sure he must be deformed or charmless. Perhaps even both. At least in the eyes of women.
"All I was hearing were stories of success, while I was just going through failure after failure," he says. "It wasn't until later in life that I realised that all guys feel like that, and I think it's important that guys know they're not alone when they luck out."
Fast forward to 2012 and Zwar's production company has created Agony Uncles, a six-part series with the tagline 'When you have absolutely no-one else to turn to.'
The series, which is executive produced by Zwar alongisde Amanda Brotchie and Nicole Minchin, features 18 men including animator Adam Elliott, academic Waleed Ali and actor Josh Lawson, discussing everything from picking up and the first date to getting your heart broken and moving on again.
"All I was hearing were stories of success, while I was just going through failure after failure," he says. "It wasn't until later in life that I realised that all guys feel like that, and I think it's important that guys know they're not alone when they luck out."
Fast forward to 2012 and Zwar's production company has created Agony Uncles, a six-part series with the tagline 'When you have absolutely no-one else to turn to.'
The series, which is executive produced by Zwar alongisde Amanda Brotchie and Nicole Minchin, features 18 men including animator Adam Elliott, academic Waleed Ali and actor Josh Lawson, discussing everything from picking up and the first date to getting your heart broken and moving on again.
- 3/20/2012
- by Amanda Diaz
- IF.com.au
Mpi Media has secured rights to distribute IFC Films' movies on DVD.
Chicago-Based Mpi has been known primarily for disc releases of classic U.S. and British television titles, documentaries and a Dark Sky line of horror pics. The agreement with IFC, one of the more active buyers at Cannes last month, should dramatically boost Mpi's profile as a distributor of indie titles.
Mpi will distribute the bulk of IFC's theatrical releases on DVD. Catherine Deneuve starrer "Apres Lui" and the relationships drama "Nights and Weekends" are set as the first releases under the agreement, both slotted for August.
IFC's distribution deal with Genius Products expired last year.
In addition to IFC's theatrical films, Mpi also will distribute DVDs of its IFC Festival Direct electronic titles. IFC self-distributes its digital fare.
Mpi chief Malik Ali called IFC "a true force in independent cinema and an innovator in making film...
Chicago-Based Mpi has been known primarily for disc releases of classic U.S. and British television titles, documentaries and a Dark Sky line of horror pics. The agreement with IFC, one of the more active buyers at Cannes last month, should dramatically boost Mpi's profile as a distributor of indie titles.
Mpi will distribute the bulk of IFC's theatrical releases on DVD. Catherine Deneuve starrer "Apres Lui" and the relationships drama "Nights and Weekends" are set as the first releases under the agreement, both slotted for August.
IFC's distribution deal with Genius Products expired last year.
In addition to IFC's theatrical films, Mpi also will distribute DVDs of its IFC Festival Direct electronic titles. IFC self-distributes its digital fare.
Mpi chief Malik Ali called IFC "a true force in independent cinema and an innovator in making film...
- 6/2/2009
- by By Carl DiOrio
- The Hollywood Reporter - Movie News
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