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
Some actors inhabit their roles so thoroughly that it turns audiences off. Jack Gleeson's turn as the abominable Joffrey Baratheon in HBO's adapted "Game of Thrones" series immediately comes to mind. Actors inhabiting the role of an unsavory character have to hit a Goldilocks zone between a believable performance and capturing a repulsive character "a little too well," but scratch the surface of revolted viewers and you'll find plenty who appreciate what the actor brought.
Such was the case for Michael Rooker, star of John McNaughton's grimy 1986 cult classic "Henry: Portrait of a Serial Killer" loosely based on convicted real-world serial killers Henry Lee Lucas and Ottis Toole (played by Tom Towles). The film's handling of its subject matter is so raw that controversy naturally emerged alongside its release; its graphic depiction of several murders earned "Henry" an X rating from the MPAA and solidified it as a...
Such was the case for Michael Rooker, star of John McNaughton's grimy 1986 cult classic "Henry: Portrait of a Serial Killer" loosely based on convicted real-world serial killers Henry Lee Lucas and Ottis Toole (played by Tom Towles). The film's handling of its subject matter is so raw that controversy naturally emerged alongside its release; its graphic depiction of several murders earned "Henry" an X rating from the MPAA and solidified it as a...
- 10/29/2022
- by Anya Stanley
- Slash Film
Premiering theatrically today in 1990: Henry: Portrait of a Serial Killer A roughly fictionalized telling of the killing spree of Henry Lee Lucas and Ottis Toole, Henry: Portrait of a Serial Killer was shot on 16mm in 1985, over the course of one […]
The post This Day in Horror: Henry: Portrait Of A Serial Killer Premiered appeared first on Dread Central.
The post This Day in Horror: Henry: Portrait Of A Serial Killer Premiered appeared first on Dread Central.
- 1/5/2020
- by Alyse Wax
- DreadCentral.com
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