Cinematography:
Roger DeakinsComposer:
Carter BurwellCast:
John Turturro, John Goodman, Judy Davis, Michael Lerner, John Mahoney, Tony Shalhoub, Jon Polito, Steve Buscemi, Richard Portnow, Meagen Fay, Max Grodénchik (more)Plots(1)
Young playwright Barton Fink (John Turturro), determined to become a success, travels to Hollywood where he immediately obtains a contract, only to develop writer's block when he discovers he is to write a wrestling movie for a faded 40s star. The Los Angeles heat, his dingy hotel and a noisy neighbour (John Goodman) combine to increase the pressure on him, and Barton begins to lose his grip on reality. (Universal Pictures UK)
(more)Reviews (1)
A symbolic wrestling of empty narrative with expressive style, which in sum tells us nothing much and remains only a methodical contemplation of the unbearable lightness of creative (in)being. Precise performances (another iconic supporting role for John Goodman), visually really imaginative and at times almost Kafkaesque atmospheric, but insanely drawn out in the first half, providing no clues to get into the main character's strange story with sincere interest and sober attention. While I admire the Coen brothers' poetics of expression, Barton Fink is an unusually forgettable film by their standards, though the last twenty minutes, on the other hand, constitute their immortal magnum opus. I’ll gladly watch it again some day; for the time being, strong 3*.
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