Review of Barton Fink (1991) by Sabrina I — 21 Jul 2011
BARTON FINK is one of the most bizarre and unique films. It starts off as a satire on Hollywood but soon things get really, really werid ;) . It surely takes you by surprise - I will give it that. The production design is another highlight.
The peeling wallpapers. The dark rooms. The typewriter. The old time elevator. The rundown hotel has the perfect atmosphere for this story. I can't imagine Barton writing his movie script anywhere else! The film itself is open to interpretation.
Was it all in his head? You can look at the film in many ways but it surely deals with the block of creativity. When a writer or artist can't figure out how to get create his next masterwork. The film delves into the pressures and stress that come with it.
Barton's main problem seems to be his inability to connect with his fellow human being. He's supposed to be writing a script about a wrestler but he knows nothing about wrestling. He can't understand another's pain or suffering.
He is literally locked away from the world mentally and physically. I think the film throws us into his state of mind. All the madness and absurdity. Everything just comes together in the most nightmarish and surreal way.
Its happening but it almost doesn't seem real. Like at any minute - Barton is going to wake up and we can take a sigh of relief. So, while I found the transition of the film from a quirky satire to a surreal psychodrama a little jarring - I felt like its exactly where the film should have gone.
Overall, BARTON FINK is one of the most fascinating films of the 90's. View it atleast once.
This review of Barton Fink (1991) was written by Sabrina I on 21 Jul 2011.
Barton Fink has generally received very positive reviews.
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