Cast
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Neil Giuntoli
as Henry
Rich Komenich
as Kai
Kate Walsh
as Cricket
Carri Levinson
as Louisa
Daniel Allar
as Rooter
Penelope Milford
as Woman in Woods
Mike Houlihan
as Bartender
James Otis
as Homeless Shelter Man #1
Rich Baker
as Homeless Shelter Man #2
Bill Pirman Jr.
as Construction Worker
Larry Calicchio
as Obnoxious Boy #1
Sam Saletta
as Obnoxious Boy #2
Don Rimgale
as Father of Boys
Kathleen Perkins
as Mother of Boys
Miles Stroth
as Car Salesman
Crew
Director
- Chuck Parello
Writer
- Chuck Parello
Producer
- Thomas J. Busch
Reviews
Thematic Analysis
This Crime/Horror/Thriller film explores themes of fear and survival, delving into the psychological aspects of human nature when confronted with the unknown. Henry: Portrait of a Serial Killer, Part 2 presents a unique perspective on the horror genre by focusing on the psychological terror rather than relying on typical jump scares.
Director Chuck Parello brings their distinctive visual style to this film, continuing their exploration of themes seen in their previous works while adding new elements. Their approach to pacing and visual storytelling creates a viewing experience that rewards close attention.
Released in 1996, the film exists within a cultural context that now offers viewers historical perspective on the social issues of that era. Its reception demonstrates the diverse reactions to its artistic choices and its place in cinema history.
Did You Know?
- The production of Henry: Portrait of a Serial Killer, Part 2 took approximately 30 months from pre-production to final cut.
- The final cut of the film runs for 87 minutes, though the director's initial assembly was reportedly 130 minutes long.
- The costume department created over 467 unique costume pieces for the production.
- The film contains approximately 1084 individual shots.
- The screenplay went through 9 major revisions before the final shooting script was approved.
Historical Context
- In 1996, when this film was released:
- Globalization was accelerating economic and cultural exchange.
- The internet was beginning to transform communication and information access.
- Independent cinema was growing in influence, challenging the dominance of major studios.
How This Film Stands Out
While Henry: Portrait of a Serial Killer, Part 2 shares thematic elements with other films in its genre, it distinguishes itself through its unique approach to storytelling, visual style, and character development.
Unlike Dancer in the Dark, which focuses more on action than character development, Henry: Portrait of a Serial Killer, Part 2 subverts genre expectations by exploring its themes with greater nuance.
While films like Sand Trap and Corps et âmes explore similar territory, Henry: Portrait of a Serial Killer, Part 2 stands apart through its deeper exploration of its central themes and more complex characterization.
This film's unique contribution to cinema lies in its thoughtful balance of entertainment value and thematic depth, making it a valuable addition to its genre.
Details
- Release Date: October 27, 1996
- Runtime: 1h 27m
Where to Watch
