Review of Factotum (2005) by Christopher M — 28 May 2008

Finally, a faithful portrayal of Bukowski's work to the big screen! This is an adaptation of the novel of the same name by the legendary Charles Bukowski, which tells an account of his protagonist Henry Chinaski (who is a synonym for Bukowski himself, pretty much) going from job to job and woman to woman, drinking and writing and hoping for that one acceptance letter, like so many writers.

Unlike the awful Barfly in 1987, where Mickey Rourke played Chinaski like a caricature and completely overdid it, Matt Dillon puts in a very inspired performance in Factotum, and actually very successfully captures what one might think of in a young Bukowski; he is subtle and balanced and really captures the essence of the character and the novel.

The rest of the cast are good, as well. The only major thing that was changed for the film was that it is set current day, but this isn't a problem, it doesn't affect the adaptation. Clearly everything else was taken straight from the novel - even Dillon's narration was taken either directly from the pages of Factotum or from Bukowki's poetry, which was a very nice touch indeed.

I think if Hank had still been alive to see this film, he would probably have been pleased with it, and that's the best compliment I can possibly give it.