Henry Poole Is Here

The Movie Itself is directed by Mark Pellington (The Mothman Prophecies, Arlington Road).

Henry Poole has all but subscribed to the past tense. After discovering that he has little time to live, he retreats to a quiet, unfurnished home in California to spend his remaining days in fear of a definite, but uncertain departure. However, fate has something else in store for Henry. His days of isolation and self loathing are cut short by curious neighbors that wish to welcome him to the community, and the appearance of a Christ-like façade on the side of his house attracts far more attention than he would like. Slowly but surely, Henry warms up to his new neighbors and friends, and manages to find a ray of hope in the face of his grim diagnosis.

It’s been many years since Mark Pellington has revisited to the art of feature filmmaking. His last directorial effort, The Mothman Prophecies, was — in my opinion — an outstanding horror/thriller film, and an exceptional visual treat, but it’s been a difficult road for him to get back in the game. After losing his wife, Jennifer Barrett-Pellington, who died abruptly in 2004, Pellington was overcome with grief and ultimately turned to alcohol, hoping to find comfort in feeling nothing. Soon enough — as he admits in the commentary found on this disc — his vice gave way to alcoholism.

Thankfully, Mark Pellington’s story has a good ending. Although his journey was a trying and painful one, he has been sober for two years, and he’s emerged hopeful and eager to take up narrative filmmaking once more. This time however, he wanted to do something different, to tell a story that wasn’t as dark, dreary or menacing as his previous films. He yearned to take on a film that was uplifting and genuinely moving, and perhaps one that reflected some of the things he had gone through. The answer was Albert Torres’ script, Stain, which would ultimately become the film we know, Henry Poole Is Here.

As you might imagine, there is an incredible amount of personal investment and attachment between Pellington and the subject matter at hand, and its this connection that allows the film to shine incredibly bright. Unlike much of the manufactured drama/romance that populates the Hollywood circuit, there is a genuine heart behind the film, and the love that courses throughout emanates from every possible outlet, whether it be the actors’ eyes, the dialog, or the tender, fluid motion of the shots that compose the film. In a way, its overwhelming, but not in a bad way. Moreover, watching the film is akin to being in reunited with dozens of old family members or friends all at once. You’re reminded just how wonderful life can be, and the horrors of the world simply melt away.

However, it’s important to know that the film isn’t all smiles either. Henry is jaded, defeated and bitter, but its his transformation and journey towards becoming hopeful that ultimately makes the film so powerful and endearing.

In a word, the film is therapeutic, and if I had to liken it to another film, I’d say that Garden State most closely resembles it thematically, and emotionally. I’m not sure whether or not other people would agree with that, but for me they are very closely related because of their comforting, and relatable stories.

In the end, even the most brazen cynic should come away from this film feeling the slightest bit elated because it’s not a film about religion or faith, it’s a film about hope; something that is hardwired within us, but often overshadowed by the grim realities of our world. Henry Poole Is Here stirred me in a way that few movies ever do. It served as yet another reminder that life is a truly remarkable gift, and regardless of your religious/spiritual disposition — or lack thereof — I’d wager that few people would argue against that. Granted, it might not be the same experience for everyone, but for those of you that are in need of a sincerely uplifting film, you need not look further than this one.