By Melissa Garza
“It’s the uniqueness of the horror genre that will keep it alive because it’s endless.” – Lance Henriksen
James Cameron wrote the role of the Terminator hoping Lance Henriksen would play the part. Likewise, Victor Salva created the Creeper in “Jeepers Creepers” for the versatile actor. Chris Carter, creator of the hit tv show, “Millennium” of which Henriksen played the lead was also made just for him. For anyone familiar with his work, this comes as no surprise. His acting is unlike any other. He has a deep understanding for every role he portrays. His characters are always believable and they never fail to connect with the audience. It is because of those rare talents, that any smart filmmaker would want Henriksen to star as the lead.
Award winning and revered, he is often sought upon and cast in the most emotionally driven roles. Whether he is portraying the lead character or is on for only moments, his presence and amazing ability steals the show.
Lance Henriksen, easily, is one of the most well-known actors ever to step foot onto screen. He has starred in well over a 100 movies, and never fails to capture his audience’s attention. To try and acknowledge each and every contribution he has brought to the horror genre would be impossible. It spans thirty years, and began with his portrayal of the Master Sergeant in “Damien: Omen II.” Though nearly ever role he has been in commands attention, the focus here will fall on the greatest of the great.
In 1983, the anthology “Nightmares” was released. Henriksen portrayed a priest who lost his faith and upon leaving the congregation regains it in a frightening fashion. Throughout the tale, the intensity and emotion of the man of God was displayed brilliantly. He never lost sympathy or the approval of the audience. In typical fashion, Henriksen pulls the audience in and never lets go. More amazing than that, is how often his methodology changes in each film. Though the results with the viewers are the same, no two characters he has ever played are.
The cult classic “Near Dark,” is an excellent example of Henriksen’s range. As the lead vampire, Jesse Hooker, he was callous and calm. He was straightforward and to the point. That’s how the dialogue was written, and Henriksen sold every word. Everything from his mannerisms, his facial expressions and his posture sold the character; and the character sold the movie.
Two years later, another horror classic was released. “Pumpkinhead,” a film which spawned three sequels started off with a simple tale. Ed Harley, a loving father, unable to cope with his young son’s death, makes a deal to summon a demon who takes revenge on those responsible. There have been plenty of revenge based horror entries that have failed or at the very least been forgotten. “Pumpkinhead” however stands out because of the acting. Henriksen always understands the motivations of his character and he drives it home with every scene. Even while the victims were chased down by the demon, Ed, thanks to Henriksen’s performance, remains sympathetic. It is through that sympathy that he brings out the dark hero that the audience can’t help but root for.
He has starred in television, major motion pictures, and some of the best quality low-budget movies ever produced. He is not only one of the greatest assets to the horror genre but to the overall film industry.
Whether it be in the suspenseful thrillers like “Nature of the Beast” and “Jennifer 8″ or modern monster movies such as “Sasquatch Mountain” and “Abominable,” Henriksen drives every character he plays home. If his name is in the cast, one can rest assured that the movie will be worth watching; if for nothing else, his performance alone. Due to his never wavering commitment on delivering the best quality productions, and his complete understanding of the genre, Lance Henriksen is a true Pioneer of Horror.
