Barfly (Widescreen)

-----------------------------------------------------------------

And, to paraphrase the film's most memorable line: Some people never see Barfly, what truly horrible lives they must lead!

The autobiographical ' Henry Chinaski ' is one of the most disturbing characters ever created.

Why?

Because while he is a genius who has ended up up on skid row due to his unwillingness to lift a finger on his behalf, a screwed up drunk, and the quintessential All-American loser, he does not try to make us feel sorry for him, nor outraged on his behalf. He is neither self pitying nor mean spirited and his honesty is surpassed only by his warped but magnificent sense of humor.

The reason this is disturbing is because it gives one the impression that while his sufferings are, by and large, self inflicted--Gee, perhaps there is something wrong with the world we live in and its gung-ho values.

SUCCESS NEEDS NO EXPLANATIONS AND FAILURE TOLERATES NO EXCUSES!

Go ahead and shoot yourself, Van Gogh, see if I care. You're mentally ill and it's your responsibility, anyway. I may not be able to paint but if I make 40k or more a year, and have a laser printed resume, I am obviously a better human being, a take charge kinda guy, and a true adult.

Right?
-----------------------------------------------------------------

Mickey Rourke is terrific and Fay Dunaway ain't bad either. The late great Charles Bukowsky's only screenplay is as well written as any of his novels.

Indie filmmakers, eat your hearts out! This is the real deal, told with superb dialogue and without any self indulgent whining.

An American original.

Personally, I started out disliking it for all the reasons that others have said it is not worth seeing. Then about 1/4 of the way through, I got what the writer, actors and director were doing. I saw the irony, the undercurrents of social and personal satire, and the downright humor in it. I started laughing and enjoying myself, and I didn't stop laughing for the rest of the film.

The degree of subtilty is greater than we are accustomed to in a Hollywood film, so alot of people not only don't get it but don't know there is anything to get because they are not expecting anything this subtle. The Director, Barbet Schroeder, cut his teeth working with director Eric Rohmer, who is as slow and subtle as they come. The now common phrase, "Watching paint dry," was unfairly coined by an unappreciative viewer to discribe his films. Schroeder is no where near as slow as Rohmer, but he seems to have learned how to build up elements of plot and character that open new dimensions in the film and suprise the attentive viewer in very pleasing ways.

This is certainly true of Barfly. Aside from being funny it is also deep. If are looking for an action flic or light comedy, this is not for you. If you are looking for something to glance at while you are cooking dinner then this is the wrong movie. If you have the time and inclination to pay attention or you will be disappointed with it. It is not for everyone. Some people view film as only good for recreation and that is fine. But if you want to take the time to understand the subtly and humor of the film, you will probably enjoy it - a lot.