Movie Information
Overall Rank: 583
Average Rating: 3.1/4
# of Ratings: 180
Theatrical Release Date: 08/21/1991
Language: English
Genre: Comedy, Drama
MPAA Rating: R
Director: Joel Coen
Actors: John Turturro, John Goodman, Judy Davis, Michael Lerner, John Mahoney, Tony Shalhoub
Plot: Barton Fink (John Turturro) was given an opportunity by Capitol Pictures head Jack Lipnick (Michael Lerner) to write a wrestling picture. \His neighbor Charlie Meadows (John Goodman) sells insurance and pops in and out of his place. Barton asks for Audrey Taylor's (Judy Davis) help, the partner of skilled writer William Preston (W.P.) "Bill" Mayhew (John Mahoney).
Quick Movie Reviews
Rating of
4/4
Logan D. McCoy - wrote on 06/06/2019
It's so enjoyably quirky. A real staple in the Coen brothers' careers.
Rating of
4/4
Moviehead - wrote on 04/01/2012
Probably most effective coens film with atmosphere beyond any other
Rating of
3.5/4
mitchellyoung - wrote on 10/01/2010
I think you partly have to be an artist to appreciate this film, as it's mostly about creative obsession, albeit set in the Cohen Brothers' typical weird world of strange happenings.
Full Movie Reviews
Rating of
3/4
To Ponder the Creative Process
Unknown - wrote on 06/16/2014
This Coens piece is easily their most unique. It's another film that focuses on a central character, examining them through whatever dilemma they have while throwing in some eccentric supporting characters for entertaining distraction. The difference with this picture is that it's all about writing pictures. I've seen a couple of films covering the same subject, but none were as unexplainable as this. The film starts off mundane and becomes increasingly less so in a gradual way. MUCH less so. This story does not follow a typical three act structure, nor does it have a definite ending. It's a strong, bold, but also cold statement that leaves you thinking. There's much to decipher in the undertone; metaphors, visual cues, odd choices of humor, and the dialogue containing double …
Rating of
4/4
An interesting story chronicling a writer's desire
memento_mori - wrote on 08/23/2013
I'm a bit of a writer myself, so I could relate to the character of Barton Fink. When he was talking passionately about 'the common man' and his dislike of the pictures, I completely understood what he meant. He wanted to portray civilization as a whole and not the Hollywood clichés. It's brilliant message.
The person who in my opinion stole the show, is John Goodman. Man, that guy can act. It was almost like he was wearing a mask of kindness as Charlie, which reminded me of Kathy Bates in Misery. Both are terrifying when they are in a good mood.
The dialogue in this film is crafty. No, that's an understatement. It's fabulous. It discusses a lot of topics altogether, but nothing in particular. Kind of like being in a dream. Some quotes I like include:
'I've always found that writing …
Rating of
3.5/4
Barton Fink review
Daniel Corleone - wrote on 06/11/2012
A pictured considered being film noir, a horror film, political satire and buddy flick mixed with elements of dark comedy. Barton Fink (John Turturro) was asked by Capitol Pictures head Jack Lipnick (Michael Lerner) write for a wrestling picture. His neighbor Charlie Meadows (John Goodman) sells insurance and pops in and out of his place. Barton asks assistance from Audrey Taylor (Judy Davis), the partner of skilled writer William Preston (W.P.) "Bill" Mayhew (John Mahoney), since he has ran out of ideas and time. Direction was exception with a myriad of camera angles and movements. Setting was eerie and dialogue so innovative. Fantastic screenplay evident from various characters: “We need more heart in motion pictures.” “Life is too short.” Barton – “We’re all …
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