Henry: Portrait of a Serial Killer (1986)

First release year

1986

Runtime (minutes)

83

Production countries

United States

Original languages

English

Directors

John McNaughton

Writers

Richard Fire · writer; John McNaughton · co-writer

Cast and characters

Michael Rooker · Henry; Tom Towles · Otis; Tracy Arnold · Becky

Genres

psychological horror; crime drama; crime thriller; horror

Themes

violence; psychopathy; incest; abuse; moral ambiguity

Tone and mood

chilling; gritty; disturbing

Premise and plot tags

serial killer; independent film; psychological thriller; true crime inspiration

Source material / true-story basis

The film was inspired by the confessions of real-life serial killer Henry Lee Lucas.

Franchise connections

Henry: Portrait of a Serial Killer

Reported review scores

Metacritic · score: 80 · scale: 100 · review count: 22

Awards and nominations

Independent Spirit Awards · Best Feature · 6th · Nominated; Independent Spirit Awards · Best Director · 6th · Nominated; Independent Spirit Awards · Best Male Lead · 6th · Nominated; Independent Spirit Awards · Best Supporting Male · 6th · Nominated; Independent Spirit Awards · Best Screenplay · 6th · Nominated

Production trivia

The film was shot on 16mm in less than a month with a budget of $110,000.; The original poster artwork was a painting by Joe Coleman but was considered too extreme and withdrawn.; Michael Rooker remained in character for the duration of filming, even off set.

Film metadata comes from the open sources listed in Credits & Contact. Catalogue details may be incomplete.

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