Henenlotter's take on New York City life has always intrigued me, giving this lily-white suburban moron a glimpse into a world I'll never fully understand. He has the same ability to capture the seedy underworld of the Big Apple as fellow New York filmmakers Abel Ferrara and Martin Scorsese, though his tactics are a little less conventional. Frankenhooker, more than any of Henenlotter's previous efforts, makes you feel as if you've stepped into another world altogether, one where one-eyed brains and mutant body parts are an everyday occurrence.
The opening scene, which finds Jeffrey working on a bizarre science experiment in his fiancee's kitchen, sets the tone perfectly, giving you the impression that all of the craziness that takes place over the span of 90 minutes is as natural as a severed head crashing through a plate glass window. I strive for this kind of tone in my own work; the feeling that you've turned the corner into an alternate universe filled with twisted abominations and madcap characters. I think it's brilliant.
As I read over what I've written, it turns out this so-called "review" is nothing more than a fanboy rant. That's okay, I think. Some movies need goofy Internet bloggers to champion them, to sing their praises so others may hear THE WORD. With an Unearthed Films special edition on shelves now, Frankenhooker should now reach the people who would appreciate it the most. In my humble opinion, it's easily the brightest jewel in Henenlotter's warped crown, a strangely personal film that still bears the man's trademark weirdness. This is one picture I simply cannot recommend enough. If you have the chance to experience Frankenhooker for yourself, by all means, do so immediately. Not only is it a great horror/comedy, it's also a damn fine movie in general. Embrace the sleaze. Embrace the trashiness. Embrace the goofiness.
But above all else, enjoy the show.
Article comments
1 - Katie McNeill
I have to admit that this would not be the kind of thing I would watch... but your review (fanboy rant) is so persuasive that I might have to pick it up. Thanks :)
2 - T. Rigney
Frankenhooker is worth picking up, that is, if you don't mind 90 minutes of tastelss jokes and senseless violence. It's also a good starter course for those unfamiliar with Henenlotter's work.
If you do pick it up, be sure to get Unearthed's release. Good stuff.
3 - Bill Sherman
I still tend to favor the first Basket Case over Frankenhooker, but it's only by the narrowest of margins. What's Henenlotter been up to lately? Last credit I can track down is as a stock footage consultant for John Waters A Dirty Shame . . .
4 - T. Rigney
For a while, IMDb had a listing for a movie called Sick in the Head, which found Henenlotter working as both writer and director. Unfortunately, it's entry is now missing from the database, so I really have no idea what's next for the guy. I tried contacting him for an interview during my time spent at a certain horror-based website, though most of my inquiries turned up absolutely nothing.
I'd love to know what's up with the guy.