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Regarding Henry
Regarding Henry
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Regarding Henry
Promotional release poster
Directed byMike Nichols
Written byJeffrey Abrams
Produced byMike Nichols
Scott Rudin
Starring
CinematographyGiuseppe Rotunno
Edited bySam O'Steen
Music byHans Zimmer
Distributed byParamount Pictures
Release date
  • July 12, 1991 (1991-07-12)
Running time
107 minutes
CountryUnited States
LanguageEnglish
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

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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

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Production

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The film was shot on location in New York City, White Plains, and Millbrook.[1]

Music

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Original soundtrack

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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
ReleasedAugust 6, 1991 (1991-08-06)
RecordedMid 1990 - Early 1991
StudioMedia Ventures Studio
(Los Angeles, California)
Right Track Recording
(Manhattan, New York)
GenreFilm score, instrumental pop, doo-wop, soft rock
Length37:39
LabelCapitol/EMI
ProducerHans Zimmer, Jay Rifkin

Track listing

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  1. "Walkin' Talkin' Man"
  2. "A Cold Day in NY"
  3. "Blowfish"
  4. "Ritz"
  5. "Henry Vs Henry"
  6. "Ritz Part II"
  7. "I Don't Like Eggs"
  8. "Gotta Get Me Some of That"
  9. "Central Park, 6PM"
  10. "Buddy Grooves"

Personnel

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Reception

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Critical reception

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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

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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

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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

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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

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References

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[edit]
Revisions and contributorsEdit on WikipediaRead on Wikipedia
from Grokipedia
Regarding Henry is a 1991 American film directed by . It stars in the title role as Henry Turner, a ruthless and ambitious in who is shot during a late-night at a , resulting in severe brain damage, , and the loss of basic motor skills and speech. Supported by his wife Sarah () and young daughter Rachel (Mikki Allen), Henry undergoes an arduous rehabilitation process that transforms his previously detached and work-obsessed life into one centered on family bonds and simple joys. The screenplay, written by Jeffrey Abrams, explores themes of personal redemption and the reevaluation of priorities in the face of trauma. Produced by and for , the film features supporting performances by as Henry's father, as his physical therapist Bradley, and as his mother. With a runtime of 107 minutes, Regarding Henry received mixed critical reception for its sentimental tone but was praised for Ford's nuanced portrayal of vulnerability.

Overview

Plot

Henry Turner is a high-powered and ruthless in , whose relentless pursuit of success has strained his relationships with his wife, , and their young daughter, . Obsessed with winning a major malpractice case, Henry neglects his family, including missing Rachel's school play. Late one night, while stopping at a to buy cigarettes, Henry becomes an unintended victim in an armed robbery, where he is shot in the chest and head, leading to a . Upon awakening, Henry suffers severe brain damage, resulting in total , 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 and mobility through patient, humorous exercises, marking the beginning of his personal transformation. Discharged after months, Henry returns unable to recognize or but gradually bonds with them, especially through playful interactions with , while 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. Back at the , Henry refuses to resume his old manipulative tactics during a case, leading to professional backlash and a proposed by his boss. Confronted by Sarah's own brief during his absence—a misguided attempt to cope—Henry grapples with but chooses . 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 , symbolizing their embrace of a simpler, more connected life together.

Cast

Harrison Ford leads the cast as Henry Turner, a ruthless who survives a shooting but awakens with and impaired abilities, forcing him to rebuild his life and relationships. Annette Bening portrays Sarah Turner, Henry's devoted wife who grapples with his transformation and the strain on their family. Mikki Allen plays their young daughter Rachel Turner, whose bond with her father evolves as he relearns to connect emotionally. appears as Bradley, the compassionate physical therapist who aids Henry's recovery. Supporting roles include as Charlie, a senior partner at Henry's law firm; as Grace, the family housekeeper; as , Henry's ambitious colleague; as Linda, the office secretary; and James Rebhorn as Dr. Sullivan, Henry's neurologist.
ActorRole
Henry Turner
Sarah Turner
Mikki AllenRachel Turner
Bradley
Charlie
Grace
Bruce
Linda
Dr. Sullivan

Production

Development

The screenplay for Regarding Henry was written by , marking his first solo script effort following his collaboration on the 1990 comedy Taking Care of Business. , then in his early twenties and a recent graduate, developed the story of a high-powered suffering after a shooting while putting the finishing touches on his prior project. The script explored themes of personal transformation and redemption, drawing tonal inspiration from Robert Redford's (1980), which kept as a reference during writing to capture its emotional depth. In March 1990, the project was announced as the next production from Productions under a two-year with , with a budget of $25 million. was attached to direct, marking his second collaboration with lead actor after Working Girl (1988), and producer , who had worked with Nichols on previous films, oversaw development. was cast as Ford's wife, Sarah Turner, in Nichols' second project with her following Postcards from the Edge (1990). Pre-production advanced quickly, with rehearsals beginning in early September 1990, reflecting the efficient momentum typical of Rudin's oversight.

Filming

Principal photography for Regarding Henry took place from September 14, 1990, to December 12, 1990, under the direction of . 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. Filming occurred extensively in , with key scenes shot at iconic landmarks and buildings. The New York County Supreme Court at 60 Centre Street and Worth Street served as a primary location for courtroom sequences. 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 on 5th Avenue (between 40th and 42nd Streets), The at 750 5th Avenue and South, and The Ritz-Carlton Hotel at 50 South and 6th Avenue. Additional New York locations encompassed Millbrook for the daughter's school scenes at Millbrook , as well as White Plains and Wappinger Falls. Some interior work was completed in , . 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 who had suffered severe brain damage in an ; the encounter provided insights into the emotional and relational impacts of such injuries, influencing Ford's portrayal of Henry's regression and recovery.

Music

Film score

The film score for Regarding Henry was originally composed by French composer , a frequent collaborator with director , who crafted a romantic and melancholic soundscape featuring lush strings, woodwinds, and a lyrical theme to underscore the film's emotional journey of redemption and rediscovery. 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. Hans Zimmer was swiftly brought in to replace Delerue, delivering a new score that blended light elements with dramatic undertones, creating a contemporary and accessible atmosphere suited to the film's themes of personal transformation and reconnection. Zimmer's composition incorporated synthetic textures, vocals by on the opening track "Walkin' Talkin' Man," an erhu-like for poignant moments, muted for subtle elegance, and acoustic for rhythmic warmth, resulting in a smooth, conservative sound that avoids overt sentimentality while emphasizing the protagonist's gradual emotional awakening. The score's tuneful motifs, such as the charming theme introduced early on, provide an uplifting and cozy backdrop, with -inflected tracks like "Ritz" and "Blowfish" evoking urban sophistication and introspection. The official soundtrack album, released by in 1991, runs 36 minutes and 45 seconds and features 10 tracks, including "Henry vs. Henry," which highlights the 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. Zimmer's work, produced in collaboration with , has been praised for its 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.

Soundtrack album

The soundtrack album for Regarding Henry, titled Regarding Henry (Music from the Motion Picture Soundtrack), was composed by and released by on August 6, 1991. The album primarily features Zimmer's original score, which replaced an earlier version composed by after director opted for a rescore to better suit the film's tone. 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 influences to underscore the film's themes of redemption and family. Zimmer handled composition, arrangement, keyboards, synthesizers, and programming, with additional contributions from musicians including violinist Kathy Lenski and drummer . 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 Mike Nichols and mastering by Stephen Marcussen at Precision Mastering. It was issued in formats including CD (EMI CDP 7 97496 2) and vinyl LP (EMI E4-97496).
Track No.TitleDuration
1Walkin' Talkin' Man3:36
2A Cold Day in NY2:21
3Blowfish3:09
4Ritz4:48
5Henry vs. Henry3:12
6Ritz Part II3:11
7I Don't Like Eggs3:18
8Gotta Get Me Some of That3:31
9Central Park, 6PM4:20
10Buddy Grooves5:19
Critics praised the for its emotional depth and tuneful accessibility, with reviewers noting its "appealing, undemanding ear-worm" quality and effective dramatic arc that enhances the film's sentiment without overwhelming it. The release has maintained a among Zimmer enthusiasts, often cited for its blend of early-1990s synth-orchestral style.

Release

Theatrical release

Regarding Henry was theatrically released in the United States on July 10, 1991, distributed by . The film received a PG-13 rating from the of America for its depiction of violence and language. It had a runtime of 107 minutes and opened wide across theaters nationwide. The took place in and on the same day as the wide release, marking a standard summer launch for the drama. A separate event featuring star occurred on July 24, 1991, at Loews Tower East in . Internationally, the film rolled out shortly after the U.S. debut, beginning with on July 12, 1991, followed by on August 15, 1991, (Venice Film Festival) on September 6, 1991, and on September 7, 1991. Paramount handled distribution in multiple markets, capitalizing on Harrison Ford's global appeal from prior hits like the series. Promotional efforts included magazine advertisements and television spots highlighting the film's themes of redemption and .

Home media

The film was first released on in the United States on February 6, 1992, by Paramount Home Video. In , the edition followed on June 25, 1992, distributed by CIC Video. A DVD edition was released in the United States on September 9, 2003, by , featuring a presentation and 5.1 audio. An Australian DVD version appeared on October 8, 2003. A subsequent U.S. re-release occurred on September 26, 2017. The film received its first Blu-ray release in on , 2021, from Imprint Films (a Via Vision Entertainment label), in a limited edition with a transfer, DTS-HD 5.1 audio, and bonus features including interviews and trailers. A Spanish Blu-ray edition followed on July 11, 2023. As of 2025, no official U.S. Blu-ray has been issued, though import editions are available through retailers like Amazon. Digital distribution began with availability for rent and purchase on platforms such as Amazon Video, Apple TV, and Fandango at Home. In the U.S., it streams for free with ads on as of November 2025.

Reception

Critical reception

Upon its release, Regarding Henry received mixed reviews from critics, with praise for the performances of and overshadowed by criticisms of the film's contrived plot and sentimental tone. On , the film holds a 49% approval rating based on 35 reviews, with the consensus stating: "Although makes the most of his character, Regarding Henry is a contrived tearjerker that relies on easy sentimentality." The audience score is higher at 63%, indicating broader appeal among general viewers. Harrison Ford's portrayal of the amnesiac lawyer was widely acclaimed as a highlight, with critics noting his ability to convey vulnerability and growth effectively. awarded the film 2 out of 4 stars, describing it as manipulative but commending Ford for making the character's transformation believable and humanizing. Similarly, Variety praised the film as "a subtle emotional journey impeccably orchestrated by director and acutely well acted," particularly highlighting Ford's nuanced performance alongside Bening's supportive role as his wife. also received positive mentions for her emotional depth, with Ebert noting her chemistry with Ford added authenticity to the family dynamics. However, the screenplay by drew significant backlash for its predictability and emotional manipulation. The New York Times' called it a "gimmick movie" that prioritized facile redemption over realistic exploration of trauma, criticizing the premise as overly simplistic. The echoed this, labeling it a "breath of stale air" that unconvincingly rehabilitated outdated values through contrived scenarios. faulted the script for trivializing serious themes like memory loss and reconciliation, arguing it aimed for superficial emotional payoffs rather than depth. Despite these flaws, some reviewers appreciated the film's earnest intent to explore personal renewal, though it was often seen as uneven in execution.

Box office

Regarding Henry was released in the United States on July 12, 1991, by , opening in 800 theaters. It earned $6,146,782 during its opening weekend, accounting for approximately 14.3% of its total domestic gross. The film demonstrated solid legs, with a multiplier of 6.97 times its opening weekend performance, reflecting sustained audience interest over its theatrical run. The movie's production budget was estimated at $25 million. It ultimately grossed $43,001,500 in the United States and , which represented its entire worldwide total, indicating limited international distribution or performance. This result marked a moderate financial success for the film, recouping its costs and generating a profit, though it fell short of blockbuster status compared to other 1991 releases like .

Accolades

Regarding Henry received modest accolades, primarily recognizing its young performers and 's emerging role in the industry. At the London Critics' Circle Film Awards in 1992, was awarded Newcomer of the Year for her performances across multiple 1991 films, including her portrayal of Sarah Turner in Regarding Henry, alongside roles in The Grifters, , Valmont, and . The film garnered two nominations at the 13th Youth in Film Awards (now known as the Young Artist Awards) in 1992: Best Family Motion Picture – Drama for the overall production, and Best Young Actress Starring in a Motion Picture for Mikki Allen's performance as the young Rachel Turner.

Analysis

Themes

The film Regarding Henry explores themes of personal redemption and transformation through the lens of and brain injury. Henry Turner, a ruthless consumed by ambition, undergoes a profound change after being shot during a , resulting in memory loss and a childlike . This injury strips away his previous identity, allowing him to rebuild as a more empathetic and authentic individual who prioritizes emotional connections over professional success. The narrative posits that such trauma can "heal the soul," enabling Henry to reject his former manipulative tactics and embrace and . Central to the story is the theme of reconciliation and the reevaluation of relationships. Henry's pre-injury life is marked by emotional neglect toward his Sarah and Rachel, as his nature erodes familial bonds. Post-recovery, he rediscovers joy in simple interactions, fostering renewed intimacy and mutual support within the household. This shift highlights as a catalyst for healing, with Henry learning to appreciate his loved ones beyond material comforts. The film contrasts his old self—defined by and detachment—with a redeemed version that actively mends these ties, underscoring the redemptive power of in restoring domestic . Another key theme is the critique of and the pursuit of success at the expense of humanity. Henry's affluent existence symbolizes the hollowness of unchecked ambition, where ethical compromises define his career. The amnesia-induced reset forces a confrontation with these values, leading to a spiritual awakening that values personal growth and moral clarity over wealth and status. Through this, the film examines identity and self-discovery, illustrating how losing one's past can liberate the present self from societal pressures.

Legacy

Regarding Henry has largely faded from mainstream cinematic discourse, often described as an overlooked entry in the filmographies of director and star , overshadowed by their more acclaimed works. Released amid a wave of late-1980s and early-1990s "yuppie redemption" films, it exemplifies the genre's focus on affluent professionals rediscovering through dramatic upheaval, but is frequently critiqued for its contrived premise of personal renewal via brain trauma. Despite mixed contemporary reviews, the film has cultivated a modest among admirers of introspective character dramas, praised for Ford's vulnerable performance and the emotional authenticity in scenes of family reconnection. A notable aspect of its legacy lies in an early feature screenplay by J.J. Abrams, who at age 24 collaborated with Nichols to secure Ford for the lead role, foreshadowing Abrams' future success in blending emotional depth with high-concept storytelling in films like Star Wars: The Force Awakens. The movie's exploration of amnesia and moral rebirth has drawn comparisons to later redemption narratives, though it predates and arguably simplifies such themes. The film's depiction of (TBI) has sparked ongoing discussion in media analyses, highlighting both its empathetic portrayal of cognitive and emotional challenges—like , depression, and family strain—and its inaccuracies, such as an implausibly swift recovery without detailed rehabilitation. This has contributed to enduring Hollywood tropes around TBI as a catalyst for positive transformation, influencing public perceptions but often at the expense of realistic medical nuance. In recent years, actor reflected on his minor role as the Latino gunman, expressing over the stereotypical and likening 1990s industry practices to systemic , underscoring the film's place in broader conversations about representation in Hollywood.

References

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