Review of Barton Fink (1991) by Antony V — 17 Apr 2011

I've always thought the hotel in "The Shining" was at least as interesting as the film itself. Ditto for the hotel in "Barton Fink." But for a few souls scattered about, both hotels are empty.

And an empty hotel--if one uses his imagination--is filled with fun, intrigue, and mystery. That's also a good description for this film. Fun, because it is laced with the black comedy that Coen Brothers aficionados are accustomed.

Intrigue and mystery, because the filmmakers needed to do something to spice up the narrative, which isn't all that exciting when imagined by itself. What percentage of the mainstream do you think would have rushed out to see a film that was ostensibly about a writer, alone in his room, trying to overcome writer's block? We must enjoy being romanced by the mystery and intrigue because if we are looking for explanations and explicit meaning, we won't find it.

And the Coens rarely hint at what they have in mind. They just manufacture these stylish films that provide fodder for discussion long after the house lights come up.