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Henry Fool (1997)
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Overview
User Rating:
Director:
Writers:
Release Date:
19 June 1998 (USA)
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Plot:
Socially inept garbage man Simon is befriended by Henry Fool, a witty roguish, but talent-less novelist...
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Plot Keywords:
Awards:
1 win
&
1 nomination
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NewsDesk:
(4 articles)
Free Flick of the Day: Henry Fool
(From Cinematical. 19 October 2009, 8:45 AM, PDT)
Scenes We Love: Henry Fool
(From Cinematical. 2 March 2009, 4:02 PM, PST)
(From Cinematical. 19 October 2009, 8:45 AM, PDT)
Scenes We Love: Henry Fool
(From Cinematical. 2 March 2009, 4:02 PM, PST)
User Comments:
Hartley's Masterpiece: An epic, dark comedy with heart and soul and bruises.
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Cast
(Cast overview, first billed only) | Thomas Jay Ryan | ... | Henry Fool |
 | James Urbaniak | ... | Simon Grim |
 | Parker Posey | ... | Fay Grim |
| Maria Porter | ... | Mary |
 | James Saito | ... | Mr. Deng |
 | Kevin Corrigan | ... | Warren |
 | Liam Aiken | ... | Ned |
| Miho Nikaido | ... | Gnoc Deng |
| Gene Ruffini | ... | Officer Buñuel |
| Nicholas Hope | ... | Father Hawkes |
| Diana Ruppe | ... | Amy |
| Veanne Cox | ... | Laura |
| Jan Leslie Harding | ... | Vicky |
| Chaylee Worrall | ... | Pearl (age 7) |
 | Christy Carlson Romano | ... | Pearl - Age 14 (as Christy Romano) |
Additional Details
MPAA:
Rated R for strong sexuality, violence and language.
Parents Guide:
Runtime:
137 min
Country:
Language:
Color:
Aspect Ratio:
1.66 : 1 more
Sound Mix:
Certification:
Iceland:16 |
New Zealand:R18 |
Australia:MA |
Belgium:KT |
France:U |
Norway:15 |
Portugal:M/16 |
Sweden:15 |
UK:18 |
USA:R
Filming Locations:
Company:
Fun Stuff
Quotes:
Henry Fool:
Opportunity will move out of the way to let a man pass it by.
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Movie Connections:
Referenced in Lonesome Jim (2005)
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This FAQ is empty. Add the first question.more (80 total)
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If Hal Hartley were never to make another film, he could easily go down as having created a genuine American Masterpiece with "Henry Fool." Hartley takes this material and stamps it with heart and soul and distance. It's like staring at a palette of beautiful colors - then stepping back to realize it's a bruise. Henry is never less than this astonishing.
As Henry,Thomas Jay Ryan gives what is easily the best film debut I've seen in many years. None of the wimpy whispery-voiced drivel that passes for acting these days (from even some of our best screen actors) his performance practically pops off of the screen like a fart at a funeral. The rest of the cast - James Urbaniak, Parker Posey, Maria Porter, Kevin Corrigan, et al. - are on the same inspired level, but it's obvious why the film is named after Henry. I cannot wait to see this man in more.
Obviously allegorical, "Henry Fool" fairly teems with its laundry list of symbolism both quaint and profound, easy and impossible. I found my cheeks hurting from the smile stretching across my face for much of the film. Other moments had my eyes welling with tears at the beauty – and pain – these oh, so deceptively simple lives toil through.
This is not, obviously, a film for all audiences, there is something of the fairy tale here and while suspension of disbelief is required, it is also its own reward. Actually the characters, though larger than life, are so evenly and wondrously drawn as to become recognizable to all of us as ourselves or others in our own lives. Here we weigh out the seemingly unfair advantages we perceive "others" has having, the pronouncements of self-worth and desire for acceptance and understanding.
Hartley's dialogue is equal to the visual aspects of his film: almost stagey (in the good sense), but with a direct honesty that many, unfortunately, will find offputting. His cast delivers these perfectly placed pronouncements with all the gravitas demanded of the situation - and sound natural doing so. It's a beautiful film to listen to.
Aside from the brilliant storytelling, "Henry" is also beautiful to look at. Hartley's cameramen lens a Queenscape most unusual – one never quite feels he knows where it's taking place, despite obvious "Queens" clues. Every frame – from Henry's powerfully bizarre arrival to the last triumphant (and gloriously ambiguous) cell is a pleasure, a joy to watch.
At its conclusion all I could say was "this was the best movie I've ever seen." Upon reflection, I realize it probably isn't, but at that moment (and each ensuing viewing) I recapture that same, precise feeling. That's what I want in a movie and Henry delivered.