Review of Factotum (2005) by Kevin T — 05 Sep 2009

An original, disenchanted take on romance that examines the self-destructive man with Henry Chinaski (Matt Dillon), Matt Dillon gives a subtle and reserved performance that could easily be called as good as his performance in Drugstore Cowboy.

Bent Hamer takes a minimalistic, deadpan approach, portraying Chinaski's depressing life with dry humour and wit. The film could easily be seen as slow, it does require that you accept it's odd, episodic structure but Dillon's performance is so involving that it's easy to become intrigued and amused by the material.

Although I haven't read any Bukowski, the tone of the film really seemed right and never awkward or out of place. A good film with minor flaws driven by interesting characters and the performances that hit the nail on the head.