There are a few movies out there that epitomize a sub genre so well, or invent something almost entirely in and of themselves, that anything closely related might be seen as an exercise in futility. This concept was imparted to me by my friend Andrew who views things with unique depth and fascinating insight.

Henry Portrait of a Serial Killer

Giving credit where credit is due, Andrew nailed it when he said, “Henry: Portrait of a Serial Killer puts the period behind serial killer movies.”

The film is haunting because it is conveyed in such a matter-of-fact style. Henry was inspired by the real life serial killer Henry Lee Lucas, but the randomness of the murders in the film suggests that Henry actually represents serial killers in general. Michael Rooker’s performance is convincing, which makes it all the more creepy. The film was initially rated X by the MPAA for “disturbing moral content.” Henry: Portrait of a Serial Killer is rough stuff and intended for adult viewing only, so please take that into consideration before selecting this movie.

Baise Moi

“Graphic sex and violence” does not begin to scratch the surface as a warning for Baise Moi. When I first saw the film in the theater, the manager thought it was necessary to give a 15-minute disclaimer before rolling the film, with the offer of refunding anyone’s price of admission without question. It is not a strict women’s rape revenge film, as one of the leads was not raped, and most of their victims are not targeted for revenge. It is not a strict serial killer movie, because robbery is often a motivation. Two severely victimized women go on a killing rampage across France, while boozing and seeking sexual encounters along the way (occasionally mixing their sex with extreme violence). There is a long segment of brutal rape, which is shown in a very literal and pornographic way. There are other scenes which could be considered as pornographic in nature as well. Baise Moi is bold, daring, and effective. The director and her two leads all came up through the ranks of the French porn industry. The movie is refreshing in that the women are depicted in roles which were formerly dominated by men, but taken to all new measures of extreme. Everything they demand is on their own terms, including the level of humiliation their victims should suffer as they die.

Until next time, I hope you have a great viewing experience.  Comments are welcomed at cinespire@gmail.com.