HENRY PORTRAIT OF A SERIAL KILLER

One of the last true classics of the serious horror film genre, I very much doubt HENRY needs a formal introduction to visitors of this site. Besides, this is its third review on these pages.

So, below is an adapted and updated version of the précis originally written for my review of Optimum’s 2002 DVD release:

Henry (Michael Rooker) is released from prison - he may or may not have killed his mother, depending on which of his wildly varying stories you choose to believe - and lands a job as a bug exterminator. Initially awkward-looking with his unkempt curly hair and half-mast brown trousers, but not without a quiet, likeable charm about him, every now and then Henry likes to liven his day up with a spot of senseless, random murder …

Cue early scenes depicting the aftermaths of his terrible deeds: victims with shotgun holes in their craniums, broken bottles rammed in their face etc - inter-cut between sequences of Henry going about his mundane every-day chores.

Eventually, Henry hooks up with former cell-mate Otis (Tom Towles) and together they pursue their mutual fascination with bloody murder. Especially chilling is the relatively subdued episode where Henry encourages Otis to shoot the driver of a passing car at random, just to see how it feels to kill someone.

More contentious, however, remains the scene where the boys film their abuse of a pleading family during a terrifying home invasion ... and casually watch their antics back on a VCR later that day.

Their situation is complicated by the arrival of Otis' pretty sister Becky (Tracy Arnold), who Henry takes an immediate shine to. The relationship between Otis and Becky is clearly an abusive one, and the closer Henry gets to the mutually interested Becky, the bleaker things begin to look for his friend …

John McNaughton's directorial debut was the cause of much sensation upon its 1986 release. The horror community hailed it as an instant classic, lauding it as one of the most realistic forays into the mind of a serial killer ever committed to celluloid. Meanwhile, the MPAA balked at the film's amoral stance - offering the distributors a choice of having the film banned, or released with a NC-17 rating for its theatrical run. They claimed no amount of cuts could alter the film’s subversive tone.

In the UK, the BBFC cut the film for its spell in cinemas, and then sat on it for a further two years before requesting more cuts in order for a video release to be granted in 1990. Again, it was the overall bleak tone and film-makers' complete reluctance to judge Henry's violent actions that seemed to cause most debate.

Last but not least, there was the trifling matter of convicted murderer Henry Lee Lucas' attempts at suing the film's makers for 'defamation of character'.

The veil of controversy that had dogged McNaughton’s strikingly powerful, resonant and timelessly chilling feature debut lifted somewhat in 2003 when Optimum released it uncut onto UK DVD. In special edition format, no less. Stateside, the film was similarly re-evaluated by Dark Sky Films and their excellent 2-disc SE.

Now that the film is finally out on UK blu-ray – again, thanks to Optimum – it seems like the perfect opportunity to revisit it once more, and reassess its worth in 2011.

Time has not diminished this film’s potency. Rooker remains chilling as the authentically ice-cold lunatic who shows just enough reserve to pass through society largely unnoticed, before exploding in moments of almost unconscious rage. Towles is successfully sleazy as his sexually dubious pal, while Arnold impresses in a role that could’ve easily stretched credulity.

McNaughton’s style is one that has been emulated countless times since (see BERDELLA, for example), but his remains consummate in its matter-of-factness, and scarily unpredictable pacing. The plot seems almost aimless at times, just like Henry’s life, but at 80 minutes this remains a deceptively tight and concentrated film nonetheless.

Sound design plays a big part in what is, for the most part, a surprisingly non-graphic film. The echoes of former victims played over the opening post-kill montage is truly the stuff of nightmares, while the screams of the aforementioned tormented family will stay with you long after the film has ended.

When McNaughton does bring on the gore, it’s all the more effective for its sparing employment. The final 10 minutes, for example, are devastating. The very final scene – a supremely cold, calculated move – is just the icing on the cake.

But the real power behind HENRY, the real reason for its enduring influence and status, is that aforementioned tone. It’s rare to find a film of this genre that is so raw, honest and uncompromisingly bleak.

Simultaneously intelligent, original and confrontational - HENRY is a classic film that deserves its place in the heart (and collection) of any self-respecting fan of the modern horror genre.

HENRY loses none of its ungodly power in 1080p HD. The grit and grain of the raw 16mm handheld photography is maintained in this pleasingly accurate rendering, while lurid colours and deep blacks are intensified to add extra depth to the film’s already claustrophobic feel.

Natural-looking grain is evident as it should be, but the increased detail is noticeable throughout. It’s a highly pleasing transfer, a serious upgrade to DVD. I haven’t, however, seen the Dark Sky blu-ray release, so am unable to offer direct HD comparisons.

The film is presented in its original 1.33:1 aspect ratio.

English audio comes in a lossless PCM Stereo mix and is a nice, faithful and clean presentation. Consistent throughout and evenly balanced in terms of dialogue, score (what there is of it) and sound design; this is a problem-free proposition to these ears. Optional English subtitles are also provided.

The red-hued animated main menu page is a very attractive take on the blu-ray’s cover art, while a pop-up scene-selection menu allows access to the film via 12 chapters.

Extras begin with McNaughton’s interesting commentary track from the previous SE DVD releases. It’s good to see that this has been included, as there has been some confusion on some forums as to whether the UK blu-ray would contain the track. Well, I can confirm that it does.

Blue Underground’s excellent 52-minute Making Of documentary, originally produced for the Dark Sky release, makes an appearance – and very welcome it is, too. McNaughton and Rooker take centre-stage but other cast and crew members are on hand too, in this superbly produced and edited featurette. McNaughton in particular gives a great interview.

A 26-minute episode of US cable TV show "The Serial Killers" follows, focusing on the real-life Henry Lee Lucas. It’s another fascinating addition to the disc. Although, again, owners of the Dark Sky disc will already be familiar with this. Presented in windowboxed full-frame.

The same 30-minute interview with McNaughton that graced Optimum’s original SE DVD release, and the 20-minute chat between the director and Nigel Floyd, are both also present for completion.

A "Censorship History Timeline" finds Floyd and McNaughton discussing further over the film’s most controversial footage and how it was met with resistance over the years. This consists of scene-by-scene comparisons met by audio commentary, and is again a port-over from the old Optimum release.

Deleted scenes and outtakes also come with the benefit of commentary from McNaughton, adding to the completeness of this set.

The film’s original trailer, storyboards and a stills gallery round off this comprehensive package.

The extras are presented in standard definition.

A must-have.

Review by Stuart Willis