* * * * (out of 4)
The haunting opening montage presents the aftermath of violence, cutting back and forth between the mundane images of a man finishing his coffee and breakfast at a Chicago greasy spoon diner and the sprawled, semi-clad bodies of his victims, one in a field, another in a bathroom, a third floating in the river. As he drives down the highway in his rusty old car, director John McNaughton brings his point home with chilling understatement - this mass murderer is out there, a predator among us.
"You Never Had a Choice": Henry's Routine
At first glance, Henry seems like a cordial lower class ex-con, guarded but polite. He speaks softly in that husky voice you may have grown familiar with if you've seen character actor Michael Rooker's other movies (including Stallone's Cliffhanger and Cruise's Days of Thunder.) When he enters a room, he might complement you on your shirt or smile and bashfully smile when you say he's no slouch himself.
Michael Rooker's performance is brilliant, whether hanging out with the moronic ex-con Otis (Tom Towles) in a dingy gray apartment or cold bloodedly videotaping the murder of a family, setting the camera down to catch the young boy before he escapes. His acting particularly shines in his efficient method of slaughter, his entire lack of conscience or remorse. Often, he can be seen munching on a cheeseburger or engaging Otis in casual conversation afterwards.
The film follows the routine days and nights of Henry's life, days which for him probably aren't all that remarkable. He doesn't change during the course of the film, or grow as a person. Henry eventually starts taking Otis out with him on long drives into the night where they pay visits to ill fated prostitutes and warehouse owners who are unlucky enough to cross their path. A particularly horrifying roadside slaying may make you think twice about becoming a good samaritan.
"I Killed My Momma": Henry's Monologue
McNaughton and co-screenwriter Richard Fire never attempt to explain why Henry behaves the way he does, or give a motive for his terrible crimes. However, they do provide clues to his behavior. Otis' younger sister Becky (Tracy Arnold) is also living with these two criminals, unaware of their evening horror shows. She finds someone to trust in Henry, and during an evening card game she gets him to talk about his life.
Go To Page: 1 2
