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Regarding Henry
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| Regarding Henry | |
|---|---|
![]() Promotional release poster | |
| Directed by | Mike Nichols |
| Written by | Jeffrey Abrams |
| Produced by | Mike Nichols Scott Rudin |
| Starring | |
| Cinematography | Giuseppe Rotunno |
| Edited by | Sam O'Steen |
| Music by | Hans Zimmer |
| Distributed by | Paramount Pictures |
Release date |
|
Running time | 107 minutes |
| Country | United States |
| Language | English |
| Budget | $25 million[1] |
| Box office | $87.9 million |
Regarding Henry is a 1991 American drama film directed by Mike Nichols and written by J.J. Abrams. It stars Harrison Ford as a New York City lawyer from a dysfunctional family, who struggles to regain his memory and recover his speech and mobility after he survives a shooting, inadvertently restoring his family's integrity in the process.
The supporting cast includes Annette Bening, Mikki Allen, Bill Nunn, Rebecca Miller, Bruce Altman, and Elizabeth Wilson. The film received mixed reviews, with praise for the cast and Ford's performance but criticism for its perceived sentimentality. It grossed $88 million at the box office on a production budget of $25 million.
Plot
[edit]Ambitious, callous, narcissistic, and at times unethical, Henry Turner is a wealthy successful Manhattan lawyer whose obsession with his work leaves him little time for his socialite wife, Sarah, and troubled preteen daughter, Rachel. He has just won a malpractice suit, defending a hospital against a plaintiff who claims, but is unable to prove, that he warned doctors about a pre-existing condition.
Running out to a convenience store to buy cigarettes one night, Henry is shot when he interrupts a robbery. One bullet hits his right frontal lobe, while the other hits his left subclavian artery, causing excessive internal bleeding and cardiac arrest. He experiences anoxia, resulting in brain damage.
Henry survives, but can neither move nor talk, and he suffers retrograde amnesia. While in a nursing facility, he slowly regains movement and speech with the help of a physical therapist named Bradley. His recovery creates a financial burden for his family. Upon returning home, he is almost childlike. As he forges new relationships with his family, he realizes he does not like who he once was.
Sarah enrolls Rachel in an out-of-town elite school, though she is now reluctant to go, because she and Henry now have a good relationship. At orientation, Henry tells Rachel a lie to help her adjust to the new school. He and Sarah grow closer, as they were when they first met. Henry also misses Rachel.
Henry's firm allows him to return out of deference to his previous contributions. Sarah suggests they relocate to a smaller, less expensive residence. As his firm essentially assigns him only low-level work, he realizes he no longer wants to be a lawyer. While at a dinner party, they overhear several "friends" making derogatory comments about him.
While going through his closet, Henry finds a former colleague's letters to Sarah, disclosing they had an affair. He confronts Sarah, and she admits to the brief affair, but reminds him that they'd been unhappy in their marriage for a long time. He becomes angry and leaves home, finding himself drawn to the Ritz hotel.
While Henry thinks things over in a room, he hears a knock at the door. It's Linda, a fellow attorney, who has followed him there. She reveals that they'd been having an affair, and they'd met twice a week in that room. She also says he was going to leave Sarah for her. He doesn't want to hear it and leaves.
Henry gives the documents that his firm suppressed to the plaintiff that proves their case, and he apologizes. He then resigns from the firm. He realizes that, as Sarah had said, everything had been wrong before, but it is now so much better. They reconcile, then go to Rachel's school to withdraw her. She is overjoyed to go home with them.
Cast
[edit]- Harrison Ford as Henry Turner
- Annette Bening as Sarah Turner
- Bill Nunn as Bradley
- Rebecca Miller as Linda
- Bruce Altman as Bruce
- Mikki Allen as Rachel Turner
- Elizabeth Wilson as Jessica
- Donald Moffat as Charlie Cameron
- James Rebhorn as Dr. Sultan
- Robin Bartlett as Phyllis
- John Leguizamo as Convenience Store Robber
- J. J. Abrams as Delivery Boy (as Jeffrey Abrams)
Production
[edit]The film was shot on location in New York City, White Plains, and Millbrook.[1]
Music
[edit]Original soundtrack
[edit]Regarding Henry: Music From the Motion Picture Soundtrack was released on August 6, 1991, on Capitol Records/EMI Records.[2]
| Regarding Henry: Music from the Motion Picture Soundtrack | |
|---|---|
| Soundtrack album by | |
| Released | August 6, 1991 |
| Recorded | Mid 1990 - Early 1991 |
| Studio | Media Ventures Studio (Los Angeles, California) Right Track Recording (Manhattan, New York) |
| Genre | Film score, instrumental pop, doo-wop, soft rock |
| Length | 37:39 |
| Label | Capitol/EMI |
| Producer | Hans Zimmer, Jay Rifkin |
Track listing
[edit]- "Walkin' Talkin' Man"
- "A Cold Day in NY"
- "Blowfish"
- "Ritz"
- "Henry Vs Henry"
- "Ritz Part II"
- "I Don't Like Eggs"
- "Gotta Get Me Some of That"
- "Central Park, 6PM"
- "Buddy Grooves"
Personnel
[edit]- Hans Zimmer: composer, arranger, keyboards, synthesizer, programming (Akai, Yamaha DX Series, Steinberg)
- Kathy Lenski: violin
- Kirke Godfrey: drum programming, percussion
- Bruce Fowler: arranger [strings], percussion
- Kyle Eastwood: bass guitar, synthesized bass
- Walt Fowler: horns
- Bobby McFerrin: background vocals
- Jay Rifkin: recording engineer, mixing engineer
- Mike Stevens, Nico Golfar: assistant recording engineers
Reception
[edit]Critical reception
[edit]Initial critical reception was mainly lukewarm to negative. Vincent Canby of The New York Times described the film as "a sentimental urban fairy tale" that "succeeds neither as an all-out inspirational drama nor as a send-up of American manners."[3]
Roger Ebert of the Chicago Sun-Times rated the film two out of four stars and commented, "There is possibly a good movie to be found somewhere within this story, but Mike Nichols has not found it in Regarding Henry. This is a film of obvious and shallow contrivance, which aims without apology for easy emotional payoffs, and tries to manipulate the audience with plot twists that belong in a sitcom." Ebert also described the way it makes a connection between Ritz Crackers and the Ritz-Carlton hotel (which reveals that Henry's affair had in fact been deeply embedded in his apparently lost memories) as "especially annoying", apparently regarding it as comic.[4]
Rita Kempley of The Washington Post called the film "a tidy parable of '90s sanctimony",[5] while Peter Travers of Rolling Stone described it as a "slick tearjerker" that "has a knack for trivializing the big issues it strenuously raises", although he praised Ford's performance.[6]
Variety gave a positive review, calling the film "a subtle emotional journey impeccably orchestrated by director Mike Nichols and acutely well-acted."[7]
The review aggregator website Rotten Tomatoes reported a "Rotten" 49% rating based on 35 reviews, with an average rating of 5.2/10. The site's critics consensus reads, "Although Harrison Ford makes the most of an opportunity to dig into a serious role, Regarding Henry is undermined by cheap sentiment and clichés."[8] On Metacritic, the film has a weighted average score of 47 out of 100 based on 23 critics, indicating "mixed or average reviews".[9] Audiences polled by CinemaScore gave the film an average grade of "A−" on an A+ to F scale.[10]
Box office
[edit]The film opened in 800 theaters in the United States on July 12, 1991, and grossed $6,146,782 on its opening weekend, ranking seventh at the US box office. It eventually grossed $43,001,500 in the United States and Canada.[11]
Accolades
[edit]The London Film Critics' Circle named Annette Bening Newcomer of the Year for her work in the film, in addition to Guilty by Suspicion, The Grifters, Valmont, and Postcards from the Edge.[12] The film was nominated for the Young Artist Award for Best Family Motion Picture - Drama, and Mikki Allen was nominated Best Young Actress Starring in a Motion Picture.[13]
Home media
[edit]The film was released on Region 1 DVD on September 9, 2003.[14] It is in anamorphic widescreen format with audio tracks in English and French and subtitles in English. Australian premium label Imprint Films released the film on Blu-ray in April 2021.[15]
See also
[edit]References
[edit]- ^ a b "Regarding Henry". AFI Catalog.
- ^ "Regarding Henry". Amazon.
- ^ Canby, Vincent (July 10, 1991). "Review/Film; The Attitude Adjustment of a Bullet in the Brain". The New York Times. ISSN 0362-4331.
- ^ Ebert, Roger (July 10, 1991). "Regarding Henry movie review & film summary (1991)". RogerEbert.com. Retrieved January 23, 2023.
- ^ Kempley, Rita (July 10, 1991). "'Regarding Henry' (PG-13)". The Washington Post. Retrieved January 23, 2023.
- ^ Travers, Peter (July 10, 1991). "Regarding Henry". Rolling Stone. Archived from the original on August 15, 2022. Retrieved January 23, 2023.
- ^ "Regarding Henry". Variety. January 1, 1991. Retrieved January 23, 2023.
- ^ "Regarding Henry (1991)". Rotten Tomatoes. Fandango. Retrieved February 1, 2024.
- ^ "Regarding Henry Reviews". Metacritic. CBS Interactive. Retrieved January 1, 2020.
- ^ "Home". CinemaScore. Retrieved February 28, 2022.
- ^ "Regarding Henry". Box Office Mojo.
- ^ "Regarding Henry (1991)". mubi.com. Retrieved January 23, 2023.
- ^ "Thirteenth Annual Youth in Film Awards". youngartistawards.org. Archived from the original on April 3, 2011. Retrieved January 23, 2023.
- ^ Ordway, Holly E. (September 10, 2003). "Regarding Henry". DVD Talk. Retrieved January 23, 2023.
- ^ Kluger, Bryan (June 30, 2021). "Regarding Henry - Imprint Films Limited Edition". bluray.highdefdigest.com. Retrieved January 23, 2023.
External links
[edit]Regarding Henry
View on GrokipediaOverview
Plot
Henry Turner is a high-powered and ruthless corporate lawyer in New York City, whose relentless pursuit of success has strained his relationships with his wife, Sarah, and their young daughter, Rachel. Obsessed with winning a major malpractice case, Henry neglects his family, including missing Rachel's school play. Late one night, while stopping at a convenience store to buy cigarettes, Henry becomes an unintended victim in an armed robbery, where he is shot in the chest and head, leading to a coma.[5][2] Upon awakening, Henry suffers severe brain damage, resulting in total amnesia, loss of speech, and inability to walk or perform basic functions. In rehabilitation, he is guided by his physical therapist, Bradley, who helps him relearn language and mobility through patient, humorous exercises, marking the beginning of his personal transformation. Discharged after months, Henry returns home unable to recognize Sarah or Rachel but gradually bonds with them, especially through playful interactions with Rachel, while Sarah puts her career on hold to care for him. As his memory remains blank, Henry discovers fragments of his past life, including his firm's unethical practices and his extramarital affair with secretary Linda, which prompts him to reject the cutthroat world he once thrived in.[5][6] Back at the law firm, Henry refuses to resume his old manipulative tactics during a case, leading to professional backlash and a demotion proposed by his boss. Confronted by Sarah's own brief affair during his absence—a misguided attempt to cope—Henry grapples with betrayal but chooses forgiveness. When Linda reveals their past relationship, he firmly ends any possibility of rekindling it. Ultimately, Henry exposes the firm's cover-up in the original malpractice case, resigns from his job, and reconciles fully with Sarah. The family withdraws Rachel from her prestigious private school, symbolizing their embrace of a simpler, more connected life together.[5][4]Cast
Harrison Ford leads the cast as Henry Turner, a ruthless corporate lawyer who survives a shooting but awakens with amnesia and impaired abilities, forcing him to rebuild his life and relationships.[2][1] Annette Bening portrays Sarah Turner, Henry's devoted wife who grapples with his transformation and the strain on their family.[7][8] Mikki Allen plays their young daughter Rachel Turner, whose bond with her father evolves as he relearns to connect emotionally.[7][8] Bill Nunn appears as Bradley, the compassionate physical therapist who aids Henry's recovery.[7][8] Supporting roles include Donald Moffat as Charlie, a senior partner at Henry's law firm; Elizabeth Wilson as Grace, the family housekeeper; Bruce Altman as Bruce, Henry's ambitious colleague; Rebecca Miller as Linda, the office secretary; and James Rebhorn as Dr. Sullivan, Henry's neurologist.[8][3]| Actor | Role |
|---|---|
| Harrison Ford | Henry Turner |
| Annette Bening | Sarah Turner |
| Mikki Allen | Rachel Turner |
| Bill Nunn | Bradley |
| Donald Moffat | Charlie |
| Elizabeth Wilson | Grace |
| Bruce Altman | Bruce |
| Rebecca Miller | Linda |
| James Rebhorn | Dr. Sullivan |
Production
Development
The screenplay for Regarding Henry was written by J.J. Abrams, marking his first solo script effort following his collaboration on the 1990 comedy Taking Care of Business.[9] Abrams, then in his early twenties and a recent Sarah Lawrence College graduate, developed the story of a high-powered lawyer suffering amnesia after a shooting while putting the finishing touches on his prior project.[9] The script explored themes of personal transformation and redemption, drawing tonal inspiration from Robert Redford's Ordinary People (1980), which Abrams kept as a reference during writing to capture its emotional depth.[10] In March 1990, the project was announced as the next production from Scott Rudin Productions under a two-year first-look deal with Paramount Pictures, with a budget of $25 million.[11] Mike Nichols was attached to direct, marking his second collaboration with lead actor Harrison Ford after Working Girl (1988), and producer Scott Rudin, who had worked with Nichols on previous films, oversaw development.[11] Annette Bening was cast as Ford's wife, Sarah Turner, in Nichols' second project with her following Postcards from the Edge (1990).[11] Pre-production advanced quickly, with rehearsals beginning in early September 1990, reflecting the efficient momentum typical of Rudin's oversight.[11]Filming
Principal photography for Regarding Henry took place from September 14, 1990, to December 12, 1990, under the direction of Mike Nichols.[12] The production was primarily on location in New York, capturing the film's urban and suburban settings to reflect the story's Manhattan-centric narrative.[13] Filming occurred extensively in New York City, with key scenes shot at iconic Manhattan landmarks and buildings. The New York County Supreme Court at 60 Centre Street and Worth Street served as a primary location for courtroom sequences.[14] Henry Turner's upscale apartment was depicted at 1 East 82nd Street and 5th Avenue, while exterior shots utilized nearby 5th Avenue and East 82nd Street. Other notable New York spots included a phone booth at 8th Avenue and West 45th Street, the Capri Cinema at 738 8th Avenue (between West 46th and 47th Streets), the New York Public Library on 5th Avenue (between 40th and 42nd Streets), The Plaza Hotel at 750 5th Avenue and Central Park South, and The Ritz-Carlton Hotel at 50 Central Park South and 6th Avenue.[14] Additional New York locations encompassed Millbrook for the daughter's school scenes at Millbrook Private School, as well as White Plains and Wappinger Falls. Some interior work was completed in Los Angeles, California.[12][13] Harrison Ford, starring as Henry Turner, initially hesitated to accept the role due to concerns over typecasting as a lawyer, having recently portrayed one in Presumed Innocent (1990). He ultimately proceeded after noting that the pre-injury lawyer phase in Regarding Henry would be relatively brief. To prepare for the character's post-trauma vulnerability, Ford met with a real-life lawyer who had suffered severe brain damage in an accident; the encounter provided insights into the emotional and relational impacts of such injuries, influencing Ford's portrayal of Henry's regression and recovery.[15]Music
Film score
The film score for Regarding Henry was originally composed by French composer Georges Delerue, a frequent collaborator with director Mike Nichols, who crafted a romantic and melancholic soundscape featuring lush strings, woodwinds, and a lyrical violin theme to underscore the film's emotional journey of redemption and rediscovery.[16] However, following poor test audience reactions to early screenings, Delerue's complete score was rejected, marking a significant disappointment for the composer, who passed away less than a year later in 1992. Delerue's rejected score was released on CD in 2011 by Universal France as part of a limited edition of 3,000 copies, paired with music from Something Wicked This Way Comes.[16][17][18] Hans Zimmer was swiftly brought in to replace Delerue, delivering a new score that blended light jazz elements with dramatic undertones, creating a contemporary and accessible atmosphere suited to the film's themes of personal transformation and family reconnection.[16] Zimmer's composition incorporated synthetic textures, vocals by Bobby McFerrin on the opening track "Walkin' Talkin' Man," an erhu-like violin for poignant moments, muted trumpet for subtle elegance, and acoustic double bass for rhythmic warmth, resulting in a smooth, conservative sound that avoids overt sentimentality while emphasizing the protagonist's gradual emotional awakening.[16] The score's tuneful motifs, such as the charming theme introduced early on, provide an uplifting and cozy backdrop, with jazz-inflected tracks like "Ritz" and "Blowfish" evoking urban sophistication and introspection.[18][19] The official soundtrack album, released by EMI Records in 1991, runs 36 minutes and 45 seconds and features 10 tracks, including "Henry vs. Henry," which highlights the internal conflict of the amnesiac lead character through layered percussion and vocal harmonies, and "Gotta Get Me Some of That," a playful closer that reinforces the film's redemptive arc with upbeat rhythms.[19] Zimmer's work, produced in collaboration with Jay Rifkin, has been praised for its earworm quality and emotional restraint, earning an average viewer rating of three out of five stars for its serene and entertaining integration into the narrative, though some critics noted its saccharine tendencies in quieter scenes.[18][16]Soundtrack album
The soundtrack album for Regarding Henry, titled Regarding Henry (Music from the Motion Picture Soundtrack), was composed by Hans Zimmer and released by EMI Records on August 6, 1991. The album primarily features Zimmer's original score, which replaced an earlier version composed by Georges Delerue after director Mike Nichols opted for a rescore to better suit the film's tone.[18] Recorded in early 1991, it runs for a total of 36 minutes and 45 seconds across 10 tracks, blending orchestral elements with synthesizers, keyboards, and subtle jazz influences to underscore the film's themes of redemption and family.[19] Zimmer handled composition, arrangement, keyboards, synthesizers, and programming, with additional contributions from musicians including violinist Kathy Lenski and drummer Nick Glennie-Smith.[20] The album's tracks emphasize melodic motifs that evolve from tense, urban atmospheres to warmer, introspective passages, reflecting the protagonist's transformation. Key personnel include executive producer Mike Nichols and mastering by Stephen Marcussen at Precision Mastering.[19] It was issued in formats including CD (EMI CDP 7 97496 2) and vinyl LP (EMI E4-97496).[21]| Track No. | Title | Duration |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | Walkin' Talkin' Man | 3:36 |
| 2 | A Cold Day in NY | 2:21 |
| 3 | Blowfish | 3:09 |
| 4 | Ritz | 4:48 |
| 5 | Henry vs. Henry | 3:12 |
| 6 | Ritz Part II | 3:11 |
| 7 | I Don't Like Eggs | 3:18 |
| 8 | Gotta Get Me Some of That | 3:31 |
| 9 | Central Park, 6PM | 4:20 |
| 10 | Buddy Grooves | 5:19 |

