agmtw logo
search
Henry Fool (1998)

Henry Fool (1998)

R

A rambling but profound ode to American blue-collar work and intellectualism

7.8

Movie

United States of America
English
Comedy, Drama
1998
HAL HARTLEY
Camille Paglia, Christy Carlson Romano, Chuck Montgomery
137 min

TLDR

Before there was Patterson, there was Henry Fool.

What it's about

Garbage man Simon (James Urbaniak) decides to shift careers when he meets Henry Fool (Thomas Jay Ryan), a writer who convinces Simon he has poetic talents.

The take

It’s easy to mistake Henry Fool for one of those stylish, aimless movies that only look smart but are, essentially, hollow. But it’s not one of those films. Directed by indie director Hal Hartley, Henry Fool is a funny and poignant look into American blue-collar life. The deadpan look, blocky colors, and unrealistic but philosophical dialogue add to the charm. Still, the film’s surprising capacity for hope and humanity makes it a timeless and highly watchable film. This is peak American independent cinema, and it’s one that deserves more credit.

What stands out

Seriously, Parker Posey deserves an award for her remarkable contributions to the indie cinema movement of the ‘90s.

Comments

Add a comment

Your name

Your comment

UP NEXT 

UP NEXT 

UP NEXT 

More like this in

Once Were Warriors (1994)

A Maori family survives in an alienating Auckland in this raw, tragic drama

8.0

Silenced (2011)

A brutal and harrowing exposé of the schoolwide abuse case that sparked outrage in Korea

9.0

My Old Ass (2024)

A pleasant mix of comedy and coming-of-age that may or may not leave you in tears

8.0

Laapataa Ladies (2024)

Two brides are accidentally swapped in this refreshing comedy of errors

8.9

The Substance (2024)

Demi Moore swaps bodies in this standout chaotic body dysmorphia horror

8.3

Look Back (2024)

Art connects people through time and space in this short and sweet drama

9.0

Memoir of a Snail (2024)

A crack of hope shines through in this heartbreaking animated film about preservation and perseverance

8.6

The Trial of the Chicago 7 (2020)

A star-studded and riveting legal drama with a blockbuster feel.

8.1

Don’t Let Them Shoot the Kite (1989)

A child inspires camaraderie despite imprisonment in this moving classic drama

8.3

The Guilty (2018)

A minimalist, razor-sharp thriller that will have you gasping for air.

9.0

Curated by humans, not algorithms.

agmtw logo

© 2024 agoodmovietowatch, all rights reserved.