Review of Barton Fink (1991) by Christian H — 03 Jun 2010

A strange experience twisted around magnificent performances from John Turturo and John Goodman. Begins as a quaint little period piece focused on the entertainingly unique and sympathetic title character played by Turturo.

However, after Fink moves in to a hole-in-the-wall hotel room to write a movie, the film becomes increasingly bizarre. Not necessarily in a negative way. Despite it's familiar setting and comically cliche secondary characters (played by a stellar support cast), it's a stunningly original work.

Fink's increased isolation results in a disconnect from reality in the film which eventually becomes total. "Barton Fink" is mildly disturbing, certainly weird, sometimes humorous, and often interesting, yet it lacks any memorable emotional impact.