Drama,Comedy
United States of America
Henry Fool is a 1997 independent film written, directed and produced by Hal Hartley. The film follows the lives of Simon Grim, a shy and socially awkward garbage man living in New Jersey, and his sister Fay, who has been abused by their father and is struggling to find her place in the world.
Enter Henry Fool, a mysterious and enigmatic poet and writer who befriends Simon and encourages him to start writing. Despite initially being dismissed as an egocentric drunkard, Henry's influence on Simon soon becomes apparent as he begins to gain confidence in himself and his writing. As Simon's talent grows, so too does his relationship with Henry and Fay, culminating in a series of chaotic and emotionally charged events that will change their lives forever.
Throughout the film, Hartley explores themes of isolation, creativity, and the transformative power of friendship. The film features a standout performance from Thomas Jay Ryan as Henry Fool, who brings a rich complexity to the character, making him both unlikeable and magnetic. Meanwhile, James Urbaniak delivers a nuanced and deeply affecting portrayal of Simon, as he blossoms from a shy garbage man into a confident and successful writer.
Henry Fool was critically acclaimed upon its release, with many praising it for its unique visual style, smart script, and excellent performances. It went on to win the Best Screenplay award at the 1998 Cannes Film Festival. While not a commercial success, the film is considered a cult classic in the indie film world and has been viewed as a masterpiece by many film critics.
