HENRY FOOL

COLUMBIA

RELEASED 13 November 1998

Simon Grim is a dustman who one day encounters Henry Fool, an egomaniac writer in the process of writing his memoirs, the ‘Confession’, who urges Simon to put pen to paper, resulting in a book-length poem which makes him famous and leave behind his simple life, as well as Henry. The director (Hal Hartley) has something of the auteur about him, being involved in many different aspects (producer, writer, and composer). Big mistake. This film is a mess: the characters have no redeeming features; the plot is at times laughably ridiculous; there are frequent overblown diatribes on life; and it’s way too long. Avoid at all costs!

ONE OUT OF FIVE