If you have been following my move reviews you have probably noticed that I am partial towards movies that don't end when the movie ends. The Coen Brothers seems to be great at making these kinds of movies - No Country For Old Men is a recent example of such a movie. It seems that the best attempts at such films are made by directors that have little regard for the audience that may be watching their work. You either get it or you don't.
Barton Fink is a perfect example of a piece of art that has to be chewed on for a bit during the movie and even more afterwards. There was an underlying oddness that started out almost from the outset of the movie and you saw that something wasn't quite right. From there the movie moved into a beautiful slope into a dark place that was somewhat difficult to label.
One interesting theme that was somewhat buried in the movie is the idea that an artist should not sell out. It seems that many movies that I have seen recently have worked in this theme - I wonder if it really bothers these artists to see others go for the quick buck. It is ironic that the last movie that I watched was A Bronx Tale - a film that Chazz Palminteri refused to sell unless he could star in it.
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Review by moonkodiBlockedParent2016-10-06T00:37:04Z
It's OK. Looks good etc. Starts off fine. After a while Fink just seems another writer who can't write stereotype. Pacing around. Ranting about himself as a writer. Struggling to write a B movie. A B movie? If his ego was that big and his thoughts that strong he'd never have took the opportunity to write trash.
What is it with writers in movies acting like it's the hardest thing in the world? We all know how that goes so suprise us least a bit. And that writer searching theme for an entire movie? A little long winded considering character development is minimal. He starts and ends the same Fink. Don't tell me that 'was the point.'
Typical standard Cohen mix of mystery, hotels, farce and a darker meaning with not knowing fully what happens at the end. I don't mind it but I expected it.
Fink's relationships with the other characters lack any warmth. It's black and white.
People love reading into the symbolism for extra depth in movies like these. You could do that to any movie if you wanted. Look and you shall find. Not exactly a funny movie either.
It's a decent movie but I find Cohen movies to too formula based and lacking in natural scenes or characters.