Henry Fool 1998
Directed by
Hal Hartley
Made by
Sony Pictures Classics
Plot Summary
Socially awkward garbageman Simon Grim leads a dull existence alongside his sister, Fay, and their mother, Mary, who grapples with profound depression. Their lives take an unexpected turn when Henry Fool, a probationer recently released from prison due to a conviction for statutory rape, moves into their basement and starts to meddle in their day-to-day dynamics. Noticing Simon’s budding interest in literature, Henry inspires him to jot down his thoughts in a notebook. Simon’s scribblings eventually evolve into a poem, which Henry urges him to seek publication for, despite its dismissal by many as lewd and scatological.
A pivotal meeting occurs when Simon approaches a publisher named Angus, allegedly an acquaintance of Henry’s. However, Angus rejects Simon’s manuscript, feigning ignorance of Henry’s identity until his secretary inadvertently reveals that Henry had worked as a janitor in Angus’ office. At the same time, Henry possesses his collection of notebooks he dubs his “Confession,” which chronicles his enigmatic past—a piece of work he’s been hesitant to share with anyone.
As Henry’s capricious lifestyle impacts the lives of those nearby, he ends up marrying Fay after impregnating her. Following his lead, Fay takes the bold step of uploading snippets of Simon’s poem to the Internet, where it ignites a global outcry, drawing admiration from those who commend Simon as a transgressive genius while inciting outrage from conservative politicians who deem his work inappropriate. Soon after, Angus reapproaches Simon with an offer—$200,000 upfront and a 60/40 royalty split for the publication of his poem.
Henry is unsettled about the impending responsibility of fatherhood, fearing that balancing a job to support his family would stifle his writing ambitions. In a show of gratitude, Simon pledges to urge Angus to publish Henry’s work as part of his own contract. Upon finally gaining access to Henry’s notebooks, however, Simon is less than impressed but agrees to present it to Angus as promised. Angus, lacking interest in the “Confession,” refuses to publish it, prompting Simon to rethink his commitment to Henry. As Fay gives birth to a son, Simon breaks the news of Angus’ rejection and reveals he has signed his own publishing deal, leading to a heated argument with Henry, who is visibly distressed.
Fast forward seven years, and Henry has taken a job at the garbage company once employed by Simon, who has just been awarded the Nobel Prize in Literature. One fateful night, a young girl from the neighborhood reveals to Henry that her stepfather has been abusing her mother, offering a grim ultimatum if Henry will eliminate him. When Henry shows up at their home to check on the situation, he is brutally attacked by the drunken man and is forced to defend himself, resulting in the man’s death. Past convictions, alongside the girl’s testimony, paint Henry in a negative light.
In a twist of fate, Henry and Fay’s son, Ned, seeks out Simon to help his father. Despite being on his way to catch a flight to accept his Nobel Prize, Simon alters his travel plans: he gives his passport and ticket to Henry. Although they arrive late at the airport, Simon’s celebrated status compels the airline to hold the plane for them. As the flight attendants hastily usher Henry—disguised as Simon—towards the plane, Henry hesitates, glancing back one last time. The conclusion captures an intimate moment of determination as Henry rushes forward, luggage in hand.
Timeline
Simon’s Dull Existence
The story begins by introducing Simon Grim, a socially awkward garbageman leading a mundane life with his sister Fay and their mother Mary, who is battling deep depression. Their interactions highlight the struggle and monotony of their daily routines, setting the stage for the changes to come.
Henry Fool Moves In
Henry Fool, a recently released probationer, moves into the basement of Simon's home, disrupting their simple lives. His arrival injects chaos into their routine, as he starts to influence Simon's thoughts and aspirations, particularly regarding literature.
Inspiration Strikes
With Henry's encouragement, Simon begins to write, translating his emotions into poetry. This creative spark represents a significant shift in Simon’s life, where he starts to view the world through a new lens fueled by his imagination and desires.
A Publisher Encounter
Simon approaches a publisher named Angus to present his poem, hoping for a positive reception. However, Angus disappointingly rejects Simon's work, despite the unexpected revelation of Henry's past connection to his office.
Henry's 'Confession'
Henry reveals his collection of notebooks, known as his 'Confession', which detail his mysterious past. Despite his reluctance to share them, it signifies a deeper connection and potential collaboration between Simon and Henry.
Fay and Henry’s Marriage
In a surprising turn of events, Henry marries Fay after she becomes pregnant. This new familial bond further complicates the dynamic between Simon and Henry, foreshadowing future conflicts.
Simon’s Poem Goes Viral
Fay takes the daring step of sharing snippets of Simon's poem online, which ignites a firestorm of reactions. This not only elevates Simon's status but also brings heated debates about art and societal norms, showcasing the impact of his work.
Publication Offer
Following the viral success, Angus approaches Simon with a lucrative offer to publish his poem. This moment marks a significant turning point for Simon, as he navigates the complexities of success and the expectations that come with it.
Simon's Dilemma
As Henry grapples with the responsibilities of fatherhood and writer's block, Simon agrees to present Henry's 'Confession' to Angus, despite feeling underwhelmed by its content. This decision ignites a struggle between loyalty and personal ambition.
Conflict Erupts
After Simon reveals Angus’s rejection of Henry's 'Confession', tensions explode between Simon and Henry. This confrontation underscores the crumbling foundations of their friendship, highlighting the personal stakes entwined with their artistic ambitions.
The Birth of Fay and Henry's Son
Fay gives birth to a son, marking a new chapter in their lives. This event brings joy, but also emphasizes the mounting pressures on Henry, who is apprehensive about balancing fatherhood with his aspirations as a writer.
Seven Years Later
Fast forward seven years, Simon is now a celebrated author, having won the Nobel Prize in Literature. This radical change contrasts sharply with Henry's situation, who has returned to work at the garbage company that once employed Simon.
A Grim Ultimatum
Henry is approached by a young girl from the neighborhood, revealing her mother’s abuse. This arrangement propels Henry into a morally ambiguous position, as he faces the dire consequences of intervening in a volatile situation.
A Fatal Encounter
Henry arrives at the home to assess the situation but finds himself violently attacked by the girl's stepfather. The encounter spirals out of control, resulting in a struggle for survival that tragically ends the man's life.
Final Decisions
Ned, Henry and Fay's son, seeks Simon’s help to rescue his father after the violent incident. As Simon alters his plans to assist Henry, the moment captures the essence of sacrifice, friendship, and the bonds of family, leading to a cliffhanger as they rush to the airport.
Characters
Simon Grim
Simon is a reclusive garbageman whose life takes a drastic turn after meeting Henry Fool. He is characterized by his timid nature yet harbors a desire to create art. Simon's journey into the literary world unveils his latent potential, though he wrestles with the consequences of his newfound fame.
Fay Grim
Fay is Simon's sister, who initially appears to be under her family's difficulties but evolves as she embraces her own aspirations after Henry's arrival. Her boldness in publishing Simon's poem and marrying Henry shows her complexity and the impact of external influences on personal growth.
Henry Fool
Henry is a recently released convict whose presence brings chaos and inspiration to the Grim family's mundane lives. A charismatic and enigmatic figure, he embodies contradictions—both a mentor and a disruptor. His complex past and emotional struggles make him an intriguing catalyst for change.
Setting
Time period
Contemporary
The events unfold in a contemporary setting, reflecting societal attitudes toward literature, art, and morality. This period is marked by a growing tension around censorship and the role of art in challenging societal norms. The characters' struggles mirror real-world challenges faced by artists and writers today.
Location
Basement, Neighborhood, Publisher's Office
The movie primarily takes place in a modest basement where Henry Fool moves in, impacting the lives of Simon, Fay, and Mary. The surrounding neighborhood serves as a backdrop for the characters' interactions and transformative events. The publisher's office represents a key location where dreams of literary success collide with harsh realities.
Themes
📖
Art and Expression
The theme of art and expression is central to the narrative as Simon evolves from a socially awkward garbageman into a recognized literary figure. Henry's influence encourages Simon to explore his creativity, highlighting the power of literature to provoke thought and emotion. The film discusses the fine line between genius and obscenity in artistic expression.
💔
Family and Responsibility
Family dynamics are tested as Henry's unexpected presence shifts roles among Simon, Fay, and their mother. The theme of responsibility emerges, particularly for Henry as he grapples with impending fatherhood. The film illustrates how relationships and familial obligations can be both burdensome and transformative.
Featured on this page
What's After the Movie?
Not sure whether to stay after the credits? Find out!
Check out our other apps:
Actors
Companies
Latest Movies
© 2024 What's After the Movie?. All rights reserved.