Henry Johnson

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Henry Johnson

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1h 25m

Crime

Drama

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57%

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28 Reviews

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Fewer than 50 Ratings

Written and Directed by Pulitzer Prize winner David Mamet, HENRY JOHNSON follows the title character (Evan Jonigkeit) as he navigates his search for a moral center, after an act of compassion upends his life. Looking to authority figures he encounters along the way -- including his eventual cellmate, Gene (Shia LaBeouf) -- Henry's journey leads him down a road of manipulation and ethical uncertainty. The film is an exploration of power, justice and the consequences of letting others choose your path for you.

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Ty Burr

Washington Post

The problem with “Henry Johnson” is that we’ve heard it all by now — in fact, we’re living it — and what once felt like a cruel breath of fresh air has acquired the stifling nature of a pose.

Rated: 2/4

May 9, 2025

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Glenn Kenny

RogerEbert.com

The text might not be vintage Mamet, but it’s a real meal.

Rated: 3/4

May 9, 2025

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Kyle Smith

Wall Street Journal

The dynamics of the action are shaky, but even more so are the dynamics of character. In short, I’m not buying what Mr. Mamet’s hustlers are selling.

May 9, 2025

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Armond White

National Review

Mamet’s austerity and sparseness hold these three sequences together.

May 16, 2025

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Dennis Harvey

48 Hills

If this schematic exercise doesn’t add up to anything terribly pointed or powerful, it nonetheless commands interest with the bristly concision of at least some dialogue, the economical (yet unstagy) filmmaking, and expert performances.

May 16, 2025

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Robert Denerstein

Denerstein Unleashed

...Henry Johnson relies on Mamet's ability to turn the tables on us and his characters, providing plot-twisting reveals that steadily raise the dramatic stakes.

May 15, 2025

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Jennifer G

I was lucky to see this film at the Aero Theatre. It’s a tight psychological thriller, really entertaining. The talented cast give career performances. Highly recommended

Rated 5 out of 5 stars

05/12/25

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Ludo C

Saw this outstanding film version of the play at the Aero last night. 4 acts with surprising conclusions at each. Dialogue is pure David Mamet poetry. Great cast with superb Shia Labeouf. Highly recommended

Rated 4.5 out of 5 stars

05/10/25

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Kevin J

Saw it at the aero in LA, great performances.

Rated 5 out of 5 stars

05/13/25

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David Mamet

Director

Shia LaBeouf

Actor

Chris Bauer

Actor

Evan Jonigkeit

Actor

Dominic Hoffman

Actor

David Mamet

Screenwriter

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Synopsis

Written and Directed by Pulitzer Prize winner David Mamet, HENRY JOHNSON follows the title character (Evan Jonigkeit) as he navigates his search for a moral center, after an act of compassion upends his life. Looking to authority figures he encounters along the way -- including his eventual cellmate, Gene (Shia LaBeouf) -- Henry's journey leads him down a road of manipulation and ethical uncertainty. The film is an exploration of power, justice and the consequences of letting others choose your path for you.

Director: David Mamet
Producer: Lije Sarki, Evan Jonigkeit
Screenwriter: David Mamet
Distributor: 1993
Production Co: 1993
Genre: Crime, Drama
Original Language: English
Release Date (Theaters): May 9, 2025, Limited
Release Date (Streaming): May 9, 2025
Runtime: 1h 25m