Watch Henry: Portrait of a Serial Killer

Henry: Portrait of a Serial Killer is a chilling horror film from 1986 that follows the life of Henry (Michael Rooker), a cold and distant drifter who has a deep-seated hatred for women. The film opens with Henry hitchhiking with his friend Otis (Tom Towles), who has just been released from prison. Otis stays with his sister Becky (Tracy Arnold) and soon the three of them become involved in a deadly game of murder and manipulation.

Shot on a low budget and with a documentary-style approach, Henry: Portrait of a Serial Killer is a raw and gritty portrayal of a sociopathic killer. The black-and-white cinematography adds to the feeling of dread and despair that permeates throughout the film. The violence and brutality are presented in a matter-of-fact way that makes it all the more disturbing.

Michael Rooker's performance as Henry is unnerving and unforgettable. He encapsulates the character's cold detachment and lack of empathy perfectly. There are no moments of redemption or empathy for Henry, just the stark horror of what he is capable of.

Tracy Arnold's portrayal of Becky is equally impressive. She is a complex character, torn between her loyalty to her brother Otis and her fear of Henry. Her vulnerability and strength make her an engaging and sympathetic character.

Tom Towles' performance as Otis is also noteworthy. He is a volatile and unpredictable character who is easy to manipulate, making him the perfect accomplice for Henry. Towles plays the character with a manic intensity that helps create a sense of unease throughout the film.

The film's director, John McNaughton, is not afraid to show the full horror of the murders committed by Henry and his accomplices. The scenes of violence are graphic and brutal, but never gratuitous. They serve to illustrate the callousness and depravity of the characters, rather than to shock or titillate the audience.

Throughout the film, there is a sense of impending doom. The viewer is aware that the characters are on a path towards their own destruction, but they are powerless to stop it. The tension builds steadily throughout the film until it reaches its bloody conclusion.

Henry: Portrait of a Serial Killer is a challenging and unrelenting film that leaves a lasting impression on the viewer. It is not a film for the faint-hearted, but for those who are willing to brave its horrors, it offers a powerful and unforgettable experience.

Henry: Portrait of a Serial Killer is a 1986 crime movie with a runtime of 1 hour and 23 minutes. It has received mostly positive reviews from critics and viewers, who have given it an IMDb score of 7.0 and a MetaScore of 80.