Review of Barfly (1987) by Kevin R — 31 Dec 2010

When I drink I move in the wrong direction.

Henry Chinaski is an eccentric man that writes poetry and drinks a lot. He is a local legend at the bar and eventually stumbles into another drunk, Wanda Wilcox. They fall in love, of sorts, and plan to drink till death do them part. However, when an admired of Henry's poetry arrives to provide money for his work, Henry and Wanda's relationship is in jeopardy.

"What are you doing with a woman, Henry?".

"Sometimes, Lilly, I think you could use one too.".

Barbet Schroeder, director of Single White Female, Murder by Numbers, Kiss of Death, and Reversal of Fortune, delivers Barfly. The storyline for this picture is fascinating and unique. The script is marvelous and the characters are wonderfully presented. The cast delivers stellar performances and includes Mickey Rourke, Faye Dunaway, Frank Stallone, and Alice Krige.

"Was he alive?".

"He must have been. He was smoking a cigarette.".

I am a huge Mickey Rourke fan. He is an eccentric individual that enjoys eccentric roles. This film is classic Mickey Rourke and is a character that I would think was close to his heart. Henry, the main character, was fascinating and well delivered by Rourke and his obstacles in life were well presented and executed. I strongly recommend seeing this picture if you are a fan of Rourke and solid acting.

"Hatred, it's the only thing that lasts.".

Grade: B.