Barton Fink (1991)

Since the ever quotable “The Big Lebowski” up to the dodgy haircuts in “No Country for Old Men” I’ve always counted myself as a fan of the very talented duo that is the Coen Brothers however I am now ashamed to admit that this critically acclaimed masterpiece had slipped under my radar. After watching this film, a surrealist film has managed to break into my top ten list (which is quite an achievement I must add).

The plot narrative follows Barton Fink, an awkward and self-deprecating script writer, try and make the transfer to Hollywood and write for “The Pictures, you big shot!” after his first play was met with tremendous applause. The audience then learns of Fink preaching about his views on a more accessible theatre for “the common man” where he stays in a tropical hotel. He is met by the bumbling and incredibly sweaty buffoon that is Charlie Meadows as well as meeting his hero, writer W.P. Mayhew and his ever suffering mistress Audrey Taylor and the larger than life characters that are the Hollywood executives. The film has surrealist moments so often it is hard to keep up with it however the plot turns and subtle dark humour made it fascinating to watch, (almost as fascinating as the lady on the beach). Each shot is layered with hidden meanings as well as the obvious sheer and deafening heat which is a reoccurring theme throughout which keeps the viewer’s eyes glued to the screen.

One element that has to be rewarded in my eyes is the subtle detailing of each shot and the cinematography (cinematographer being Roger Deakins) the scenes in the hotel reminded me of pictures and paintings that hung on the very hotels that this film is remnant of as well as a sutle reference to “The Shining” as each shot of the scenic hotel seemed vast as well as intricate and almost sinister( I found particularly emphasised by the peeling wall paper which couldn’t help but remind me of flesh and skin which could maybe be considered foreshadowing? I will say no more.) I found the composition breath taking and something worth noting. As well you often you find within a film, there is the occasional weak member of the cast however from John Turturro’s nervous and awkward disposition (Fink) to Audrey Taylor’s portrayal of wasted talent (Judy Davis) to John Goodman’s sweaty and oddly loud and friendly manner (Charlie Meadows) the cast was incredibly strong. However in my eyes the main source of my complimentary review stems from the sheer clever film making. I could almost feel the sweat roll down my back as I sat in that hotel room watching the wall paper peel off (which made me squirm in my seat). Despite the film being very surreal, I felt incredibly involved in Fink’s journey as a screen writer.

It is incredibly hard to review this without revealing spoilers and tearing the film to shreds with theories and speculations about “what does it mean?” although, despite the slow start, near the middle/end I was thoroughly involved as well as thoroughly entertained. Despite being a flop at the box office, I completely understand why it is so critically acclaimed. Coen brothers, you’ve done it again *tips my hat and stares into the sea and sunset*