Amy WangThe Surreal World of Barton Fink
August 20th 2009 18:40
I am a huge fan of the Coen Brothers. I believe they have successfully established an empire of films that are so recognisable yet different, but all retain the Coen stamp. Their films have never been quite commercially successful and the ones who have, have been the less critically acclaimed such as "The Ladykillers" and "Intolerable Cruelty". However, despite those 'hiccups', The Coen Brothers have time and time again reinforced the notion that they are the indisputable masters of blackly humorous and torturous films with a twist.
Now, having watched most of their films, what I ended up watching and what I originally thought Barton Fink was about couldn't have ended more differently. Barton Fink is a ultimately a surrealist piece of cinema, combining great direction from the ONLY great working duo and receiving unbelievable performances from all four actors, most of all, John Turturro. The tone of the film is ultimately humorous, but at the time retains a sense of urgency and panic in a very slow paced scenario. The Coen Brothers again incorporate several characteristics they just love to stick into their movies, including the bumbling, fast talking film executive, and a pair of idiotic policemen.
Overall Plot:
The entire film is based about Barton Fink played brilliantly (and I can't stress the brilliantly enough) by John Turturro, who is a writer who just finished a successful play in New York. He is convinced by his agent to begin work as a screenwriter for the pictures, with his first gig, having to write a wrestling film. Fink moves into a very isolating hotel to begin work only to encounter writers block. There he meets Charlie Meadows (also played brilliantly by John Goodman, his next door neighbour, who represents the working man. From then on, Barton's life becomes more and more strange and confusing.
The audience sees Barton struggling to find meaning in the strangeness around him, but at the same time, drowning himself in it. We, as the outsider, can't help but continue on this strange journey with him, as his own perception of the world around him slowly melts like his hotel wallpaper. The surreal sense of the film aims to capture the workings of Barton Fink's writings, and acts as almost a comment on how the Coen Brothers see themselves. Having written Barton Fink themselves, they seem almost to point and laugh at their own profession. The character of Barton could even act as a representation of how the Coen Brothers are like (being famous for their irony and monotonous, dry wit) and at the same time how all writers really are on the inside.
I'm trying really hard here to avoid any mentions of anything that happens in the plot so that people who do decide to watch it can watch it with no presumptions of knowledge of what to expect in the movie.
Now, on top of the interesting story, this film had just the most wonderful cast of actors. I mean, John Turturro in this film was flawless. His character, such a complex, multifaceted, subtle character was played to perfection by Turturro. His reactions, his facial movements, his voice, his gestures and even his stares conveyed such great meaning even if they were minimal. Barton Fink is placed by the end of the film in so many bizarre situations, but during all that time, he remains who he is and therefore convinces the audience of the seeming reality before them. The surrealism, through his acting is transformed into realism.
Overall, this film, shot again by Roger Deakins (The Coens' favourite Director of Photograph) was a beautiful film, full of style and grace. The sound used in the film added so much humour and wit and almost acted as another character. The acting was superb and I do believe Turturro should have been nominated for an Oscar that year.
Because the ending of the film was so open ended to interpretation, I'd love to know what other people thought of the film and what meanings they gave to it.
I give this film 4.5 STARS OUT OF 5
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Comment by David O'Connell
Screen Fanatic
I agree there's many moments of ambiguity but that's part of the reason I treasure it. I think it's one of the best screenplays ever written to be honest, and the amazing cast fulfil it to perfection. It's an indisputable classic.
Comment by JohnDoe
Film & TV on DVD
Barton Fink is so well written, shot and edited with a surrealism that it left its mark on me too.
One of my favourite Coen Brothers films (For the record Miller's Crossing is my favourite) and I find myself laughing at different moments with each screening.
John Goodman and John Turturro are both bring amazing strength to their parts.
Comment by Amy Wang
Why So Cynical: The Unabashed Ravings of a Loudmouth Malcontent
Films, Films And More FIlms
Hey JohnDoe, I've yet to watch Miller's Crossing. That I believe is the last film I've yet to see by them. It's ok though, because I bought the DVD the other day. I think my favourite has to either be Blood Simple or Big Lebowski.
Comment by Michaelie
Flick Wit
Michaelie
Comment by Amy Wang
Why So Cynical: The Unabashed Ravings of a Loudmouth Malcontent
Films, Films And More FIlms