Henry: Portrait of a Serial Killer

One of the most controversial films ever made, Henry: Portrait of a Serial Killer showcases real-life serial killer Henry Lee Lucas' life of debauchery and thrill-killings with his partner Otis Toole. The content is shown in unflinchingly explicit detail, sparing the viewer little. The opening sequence is excellently done, showing Henry going about his everyday life, then cutting to shots of his dead victims with a voice-over of their screams. While it's not packed-full of blood and guts and killings every two seconds, and may seem a bit more tame compared to something like Saw, the low-key terror is still more powerful and far more disturbing. Michael Rooker's lead performance is subtly chilling. Although made in 1986, it wasn't released until 1990, due to the censorship stipulations of the MPPA. The most controversial scene is the particularly horrific home-invasion video. It was finally released with an "X" rating (NC-17 is now how it's said), but is now unrated. Excellent, low-key film, but definitely only for people who can handle strong content. (**** out of ****)

So it's Eli Roth's birthday today....

Eli Roth, the director of Hostel and Cabin Fever turns 35 years young on this day. While I didn't give Cabin Fever a very good review, I do think that Roth has a huge potential to save horror films. If you've ever seen an interview with him, you'll see that he knows a ton about horror films and is influenced by all the greats (Tobe Hooper, George Romero etc). He's also a fan of Asian horror, which is apprent since he made Hostel. I respect him for not selling out and going down the PG-13 path (PG-13 films always make more money, but have to be more heavily censored). And if you haven't seen his Thanksgiving trailer in Grindhouse, you must. It was hysterical! So lets raise a glass to the man and hope he doesn't ever start making manufactured PG-13 films!

Blue Velvet

David Lynch's most well-known film, although a bit overrated in my opinion, does manage to give you the willies. Kyle Maclachlan plays the early 20-something Jeffery who lives in a virtuous, pristine, 50's-like small town. One day, the innocence (very funnily portrayed as tongue-in-cheek) is shattered when he finds a severed ear in a field. He becomes obbsessed with getting to the bottom of the story, and enlists the help of the sheriff's daughter, Sandy (Laura Dern). One night, his investigating leads him to the apartment of a strange nightclub singer, Dorothy (Isabella Rossellini). He's also introduced, in a really strange scene, to the psychotic Frank (everyone knows he's played by Dennis Hopper). As the film progresses, Jeffery learns what's behind the sick relationship between the two. While I warn you not expect the greatness it's reputed to have, Blue Velvet is without a doubt one disturbing film. Kidnapping, murder, sadism and man-make-up abound. Made as more of an art form, it' really unlike any other film you'll see. The surrealism lynch used is not for every taste and the bizarre content is not for the weak-stomached, but I definitely recommend it for fans of the stronger stuff. Or creepy sadists like Frank. "Baby wants blue velvet!" (*** out of ****)