X
  • 1990
  • Unrated
  • Greycat Films
  • 1 h 23 m
  • 1990
  • Unrated
  • Greycat Films
  • 1 h 23 m

Summary Henry (Michael Rooker) is a psychopathic drifter who has coldly murdered a number of people for no particular reason and without any remorse. Leaving scores of bodies in his wake, Henry makes his way to Chicago, where his murderous streak continues and he settles into the rundown apartment of his drug-dealing former prison friend Otis (T...

Directed By: John McNaughton

Written By: Richard Fire, John McNaughton

  • 1990
  • Unrated
  • Greycat Films
  • 1 h 23 m
  • 1990
  • Unrated
  • Greycat Films
  • 1 h 23 m

Henry: Portrait of a Serial Killer

Metascore Generally Favorable Based on 22 Critic Reviews
80
User Score Generally Favorable Based on 21 User Ratings
7.3
My Score
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Where to Watch

Summary Henry (Michael Rooker) is a psychopathic drifter who has coldly murdered a number of people for no particular reason and without any remorse. Leaving scores of bodies in his wake, Henry makes his way to Chicago, where his murderous streak continues and he settles into the rundown apartment of his drug-dealing former prison friend Otis (T...

Directed By: John McNaughton

Written By: Richard Fire, John McNaughton

Where to Watch

Top Cast

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Critic Reviews

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Metascore
Generally Favorable Based on 22 Critic Reviews
80
91% Positive
20 Reviews
9% Mixed
2 Reviews
0% Negative
0 Reviews

  • All Reviews
  • Positive Reviews
  • Mixed Reviews
  • Negative Reviews

Critic Reviews

 View All
Metascore
Generally Favorable Based on 22 Critic Reviews
80
91% Positive
20 Reviews
9% Mixed
2 Reviews
0% Negative
0 Reviews

  • All Reviews
  • Positive Reviews
  • Mixed Reviews
  • Negative Reviews
100
Nothing in John McNaughton's script and direction is exploitative; there isn't a frame of wasted action in what may well remain the year's most tightly constructed movie. As such, you're with this qualified classic all the way, you believe in it all the way, and you're thus forced to take its sporadic atrocities seriously. How many movies (and how long has it been since we've seen one) have really pulled this off? [20 April 1990, p.4D]
By Mike Clark FULL REVIEW
88
It's extremely well-made by a filmmaker who knows what he's doing and doesn't let the limitations of a $100,000 budget get in his way. The photography, acting, editing and use of sound effects and music are quite professional; McNaughton's movie looks and sounds as if it cost much more. It's also genuinely upsetting.
By John Hartl FULL REVIEW
88
The film doesn't so much bring us closer to the serial murderer as it reminds us of our culpability as spectators.
By Jeremiah Kipp FULL REVIEW
80
Hard-driving, riveting film will be tough for many to take, but Henry – Portrait of a Serial Killer marks the arrival of a major film talent in the person of director, coproducer and cowriter John McNaughton.
FULL REVIEW
75
McNaughton's film, which has been described as "too arty for the blood crowd and too bloody for the art crowd," is an exercise in revulsion by an often skilled filmmaker. [8 Oct 1990]
By Liam Lacey FULL REVIEW
75
Henry: Portrait of a Serial Killer is undeniably disturbing, especially that video scene and when it shows us (however discreetly) a body being hacked up in a bathtub. Yet the critics who’ve hailed it as a landmark are going overboard. Henry is just a superior B-movie with an artsy-clinical title.
By Owen Gleiberman FULL REVIEW
40
It's precisely Henry's coldblooded affectlessness that is meant to shock and disturb us. But "Henry" leaves us feeling more numbed than moved. Half art film, half schlock-horror cheapie, "Henry" isn't quite sure what it wants to be.
By Hal Hinson FULL REVIEW

User Reviews

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User Score
Generally Favorable Based on 21 User Ratings
7.3
71% Positive
15 Ratings
24% Mixed
5 Ratings
5% Negative
1 Rating

User Reviews

 View All
User Score
Generally Favorable Based on 21 User Ratings
7.3
71% Positive
15 Ratings
24% Mixed
5 Ratings
5% Negative
1 Rating

There are no user reviews yet. Be the first to add a review.

Details

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Production Company Maljack Productions
Release Date Jan 5, 1990
Duration 1 h 23 m
Rating Unrated
Genres
Tagline The shocking true story of Henry Lee Lucas.
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Awards

Film Independent Spirit Awards
• 6 Nominations
Fantasporto
• 4 Wins & 4 Nominations
Sitges - Catalonian International Film Festival
• 3 Wins & 3 Nominations

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