Henry: Portrait of a Serial Killer

ISBN-13: 9780230297982 / Angielski / Miękka / 2011 / 168 str.

Shaun Kimber

Opis

Henry: Portrait of a Serial Killer (1985) is a cold-eyed character study based on convicted murderer Henry Lee Lucas. Shaun Kimber's examination of the controversies surrounding the film considers the history and implications of censors' decisions on both sides of the Atlantic, revealing a wide range of social fears relating to film violence.

Spis treści

Contents Acknowledgements Introduction Synopsis PART I: HENRY PORTRAIT OF A SERIAL KILLER THEN Development Pre-Production Production Post-Production US Distribution US Film Classification US Theatrical & Video Distribution US Critical Reception PART II: HENRY PORTRAIT OF A SERIAL KILLER SINCE THEN UK Film Classification UK Critical Reception of 1991 Theatrical Release UK 1993 Video Release US Directors edition 1998 UK 2001 DVD Release UK 2003 DVD and Theatrical Releases US 20TH Anniversary Special Edition & Blu-ray Releases PART III: KEY THEMES AND IDEAS Introduction Context Text Audience PART IV: KEY SCENE ANALYSIS Introduction The Third Tableaux Lets Go Shopping Home Invasion PART V: THE LEGACY OF HENRY PORTRAIT OF A SERIAL KILLER Modelling Controversy Henry's Legacy APPENDICES Appendix A: Key Details Appendix B: List of References Endnotes.

O autorze

SHAUN KIMBER is a Senior Lecturer in the Media School at Bournemouth University, UK. 

Blurb

Henry: Portrait of a Serial Killer (1986) is precisely that: a cold-eyed character study based on the crimes of Henry Lee Lucas, who was convicted of eleven murders in the 1980s. Director John McNaughton presents an unflinching portrayal of the semi-fictional Henry's crimes. The film proved immensely controversial, notably in the UK, where it confounded the British Board of Film Classification, which went so far as to re-edit a crucial scene, in addition to cutting others.

Shaun Kimber's examination of the controversies surrounding Henry considers the history and implications of censors' decisions about the film on both sides of the Atlantic. Taking account of the views of audiences, critics and academics, both at the time the film was released and in the years since, Kimber also looks at the changing political, social and economic contexts within which the film was produced and has subsequently circulated. Henry continues to represent a key film within the horror genre, the history of censorship, and the study of film violence. Kimber's account of the film's production and its fortunes in the marketplace provides a fascinating case study of film censorship in action, and offers a sustained and wide-ranging analysis of what remains one of the most disturbing films ever made.

'An excellent in-depth analysis… Kimber effectively combines close readings of key scenes with detailed consideration of the history of different versions of Henry and its various engagements with critics, supporters and regulatory authorities.'
Geoff King, Brunel University

Shaun Kimber is a Senior Lecturer in the Media School at Bournemouth University.