Review of Barfly (1987) by Zack B — 09 Nov 2011
Instead of a miserable 90 minutes of dilapidated living and melodrama, Barfly offers us an entertaining and surprisingly touching view of a seedy culture of bar goers. Mickey Rourke gives one of his best performances as Henry Chinaski, an alcoholic writer who seems to be in tune with the ridiculousness and unfairness of life.
He never cries or screams in anger, but always seems to grin through a bloodied mouth. Wherever he might be he sardonically and poetically deconstructs his surroundings. He's a fascinating character, a resolute person unable to accept anything more than he thinks he deserves.
Faye Dunaway is also great as usual as Henry's drinking companion and lover. Charles Bukoski wrote the screenplay and I'm certain it's one of the more interesting and original ones ever written.
This review of Barfly (1987) was written by Zack B on 09 Nov 2011.
Barfly has generally received positive reviews.
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