It was subsequently picked up for a limited release in 1990 in an unrated version.
Following successful showings during which it attracted both controversy and positive critical attention, the film was rated 'X' by the MPAA, further increasing its reputation for controversy. It premiered at the Chicago International Film Festival in 1986 and played at other festivals throughout the late 1980s. Henry was filmed in 1985 but had difficulty finding a film distributor. The characters of Henry and Otis are loosely based on convicted real life serial killers Henry Lee Lucas and Ottis Toole. It stars Michael Rooker as the nomadic killer Henry, Tom Towles as Otis, a prison buddy with whom Henry is living, and Tracy Arnold as Becky, Otis's sister.
Henry: Portrait of a Serial Killer is a 1986 American psychological horror crime film directed and co-written by John McNaughton about the random crime spree of a serial killer who seemingly operates with impunity.
