Henry Fool
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Movie Reviews of Henry Fool
Movie Review: Comic Epic with Heart, Soul and Bruises
Summary: 5 Stars
Hartley's Masterpiece: An epic, dark comedy with heart and soul and bruises.
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 delivers every time.
Movie Review: The Exotic Circle
Summary: 5 Stars
Henry Fool is one of those movies that gets you to think about your life and how in the heck did you get involved with most of the people you know. Henry Fool seems to materialize out of nowhere and work his way into one family's life without any effort at all and that is basically how the story revolves.
Most people have said of Hal Hartley's films that they are an "acquired taste," but if you're one of those people, like me, who are aware of the "quirkyness" of life, then you will enjoy this movie.
It would take too long to get involved with the story/plot of the movie but basically it's about how life seems to go around in circles, and usually by odd chances or coincidence.
I first got involved with the story because I saw Fay Grim which at the time I didn't know was a sequel to Henry Fool; actually Fay Grim is more of a follow-up because it simply continues the story a decade later with all the same cast.
However back to Henry Fool, the story is all about character, so if you can sit through a character study (and the characters of Henry Fool are interesting) then you will like it as I did.
Movie Review: The Thin Line Between Artists and Fakes
Summary: 5 Stars
Awesome.This is one of my top-five favorite films of all time.
I own this on VHS and I will buy the DVD as well.
It's understandable that some intelligent, creative people may dislike this film. The movie demonstrates how one can be brilliant, skilled and dedicated (Henry), but ultimately unable to deliver.
Henry's grasp of language and apparent intellectual depth are so engaging, we are fooled into believing his own claims to greatness. In a world crawling with self-proclaimed writers, artists and poets, it's a painful truth that talent and desire often do not lead to success.
But all of this is really just a plot vehicle for the overriding themes of the movie.
In the end, this is a film about friendship, loyalty, pride and family. And it's beautifully done.
I've watched it several times and I'll admit that it drags a bit in places, but I still love it.
Movie Review: a total and pleasant surprise.
Summary: 5 Stars
i purchased this movie because i knew a hal hartley many years ago.i not only learned that it was not the same man but that this hal hartley directed one of the best movies i have seen in the last seventy-six years. i am pleased that i own it and i will share it with others.Movie Review: One fo the best movies ever!
Summary: 5 Stars
Brilliant movie, especially for the down and out or for writers, or writers of the down and out. Watch this if you like Jim Jarmusch movies.
This DVD is no frills, just the movie.