Classic From The Vault
Barton Fink (1991)
Director: Joel Coen
By Alex Watson
Whenever I think about this Coen Brothers movie, I cannot help but refer back to ‘The Simpsons’ episode ‘Brother from the Same Planet’, where Milhouse informs a disgruntled Bart Simpson that they will be attempting to sneak into an R rated movie entitled, Barton Fink, cue him being driven away chanting, “Barton Fink! Barton Fink!” This incredibly zany moment is the perfect tribute to Joel and Ethan’s 1991 Palme D’or winning classic where he see a man plucked from his surrounding and encountering a world where everything is strange and new!
Barton Fink (John Turturro) is currently winning rave reviews on Broadway for his hit play, Bare Ruined Choirs and as a result of his success, Barton is offered a Hollywood scriptwriting contract for Capitol Pictures. Although reluctant to go, Barton makes the move to Los Angeles but quickly becomes disillusioned with his new role and the ‘wrestling film’ he has been assigned to write. But soon things in Barton’s life begin to take a strange turn and events become increasingly erratic and he has a strong sense that this whole affair, has both nothing and everything to do with his odd neighbour Charlie Meadows (John Goodman).
Focusing mainly on the theme of the common man selling out, Barton Fink is a vintage Coen Brothers film and their early career quirkiness makes this movie a wondrous experience. Barton is a lead character who is not easy to like, as he is very self absorbed and very much in love with his writing ability. He loves Broadway because, it embodies his belief he can let the stage reflect his own values and openly scorns Hollywood for not being believable. However, as he is forced to become a reluctant detective in the films closing act we grudgingly accept him as the films hero, mainly fuelled by the fact that his life is now severely at risk!
From the moment Barton makes the jump across to the major leagues, things take a odd turn as he holes up in the enigmatic Hotel Earle, run by bizarre concierge Chet (Steve Buscemi)- he suddenly finds himself unable to write and the constant buzzing he hears from a mosquito sure doesn’t help! But its from the moment that we meet friendly yet utterly terrifying neighbour Charlie, things slowly begin to unravel and from there his life becomes a zig-zag of offbeat events, whether it be meeting respected, but violently alcoholic author W P Mayhew (John Mahoney) and his dedicated ‘assistant’ Audrey (Judy Davis) or having to deal with his greedy and disgusting boss Jack Lipnick (Michael Lerner).
The true core of Barton Fink is about the man fighting for his soul and while struggling to get going on his wrestling script, Barton stumbles into another bigger story altogether. Just who is Charlie really? And what is the mysterious package he has asked to watch while goes away. In typical Coen Brothers style, there is a violent but awe inspiring finale and as Charlie and Barton sit together amid the blazing corridor of the Hotel Earle, it feels as if the devil has arrived, and he has come to claim Barton! But the real damage to this man is the potential loss of his reputation and his gradually losing touch with his common man.
John Turturro is the perfect choice for Fink and through his excellent performance he is beautifully able to bring across the man’s sense of self consciousness and his underlining fear of going Hollywood. One of the Coens regular collaborators, Turturro has always been able to bring a memorable sense of wackiness to their work and he remains of one the underrated talents of today. John Goodman however, bring a real brute force to the screen as the questionable neighbour Charlie and his presence throughout is a dark and dangerous one- try not to feel fear as the evil glint his eye sparkles in his final moments on screen!
Barton Fink is one Coen Brothers movie that many films goers may have slightly forgotten since the pairs recent modern triumphs, but it is worth revisiting to reminder yourself what an unconventional talent they can be and the intoxicating aura they can bring to a picture. But please remember, always check what’s in a box when a stranger asks you look after it, what’s inside may just change your life!
Closer to the Edge 