- published: 14 Aug 2007
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Barton Fink is a 1991 American film, written, directed, and produced by the Coen brothers. Set in 1941, it stars John Turturro in the title role as a young New York City playwright who is hired to write scripts for a movie studio in Hollywood, and John Goodman as Charlie, the insurance salesman who lives next door at the run-down Hotel Earle.
The Coens wrote the screenplay in three weeks while experiencing difficulty during the writing of another film, Miller's Crossing. Soon after Miller's Crossing was finished, the Coens began filming Barton Fink, which had its premiere at the Cannes Film Festival in May 1991. In a rare sweep, Barton Fink won the Palme d'Or prize, as well as awards for Best Director and Best Actor (Turturro). Although it was celebrated almost universally by critics and nominated for three Academy Awards, the movie grossed only $6,000,000 at the box office – two-thirds of its estimated budget.
The process of writing and the culture of entertainment production are two prominent themes of Barton Fink. The world of Hollywood is contrasted with that of Broadway, and the film analyzes superficial distinctions between high culture and low culture. Other themes in the film include fascism and World War II; slavery and conditions of labor in creative industries; and how intellectuals relate to "the common man". Because of its diverse elements, Barton Fink has defied efforts at genre classification. It has been variously referred to as a film noir, a horror film, a Künstlerroman, and a 'buddy' film.
Set in 1941, a newly successful New York playwright accepts an offer to write movie scripts in LA, and finds himself with writer's block when required to do a B-movie wrestling script, the only relief coming from a traveling salesman living next door.
Keywords: 1940s, absurdism, alcoholic, anti-semitic-slur, anti-semitism, apocalypse, author, bathroom, beach, bird
W.P. Mayhew: You are dripping sah.
Charlie: The doctor, what's he gonna tell me? Can't trade my head in for a new one.
Charlie: Beery wrestling picture? Could be a pip, could be a pip.
Charlie: I could tell you stories to curl your hair, but it looks like you've already heard 'em.
[Barton is ranting about elitist playwrights]::Barton: Who cares about the fifth Earl of Bathsdrop and Lady Higgenbottom and... and... who killed Nigel Grinchgibbons?::Charlie: I can feel my butt gettin' sore already!
Jack Lipnick: We're only interested in one thing, Bart. Can you tell a story? Can you make us laugh? Can you make us cry? Can you make us want to break out in joyous song? Is that more than one thing? Okay!
Barton: Have you read the Bible, Pete?::Pete: Holy Bible?::Barton: Yeah.::Pete: Yeah, I think so. Anyway, I've heard about it.
Charlie: Look upon me! I'll show you the life of the mind!
Mastrionotti: What do you do, Fink?::Barton: I write.::Deutsch: Oh yeah? What kind of write?::Barton: Well, as a matter of fact I write for the pictures.::Mastrionotti: Big fuckin' deal.::Deutsch: You want my partner to kiss your ass?::Mastrionotti: Would that be good enough for you?::Barton: No, I - I didn't mean to sound...::Deutsch: What did you mean?::Barton: I - I've got respect for - for working guys, like you...::Mastrionotti: Jesus! Ain't that a load off!
Mastrionotti: Started in Kansas City. Couple of housewives.::Deutsch: Couple days ago we see the same M.O. out in Los Feliz.::Mastrionotti: Doctor. Ear, nose and throat man.::Deutsch: All of which he's now missin'.::Mastrionotti: Well, some of his throat was there.::Deutsch: Physician, heal thyself.::Mastrionotti: Good luck with no fuckin' head.::Deutsch: Anyway.
Actors: Joel Coen (producer), Ethan Coen (producer), Jon Polito (actor), Frances McDormand (actress), John Goodman (actor), John Turturro (actor), Judy Davis (actress), Barry Sonnenfeld (actor), Tony Shalhoub (actor), Richard Portnow (actor), Michael Lerner (actor), John Mahoney (actor), Steve Buscemi (actor), Joel Coen (writer), Ethan Coen (writer),
Plot: Set in 1941, a newly successful New York playwright accepts an offer to write movie scripts in LA, and finds himself with writer's block when required to do a B-movie wrestling script, the only relief coming from a traveling salesman living next door.
Keywords: 1940s, absurdism, alcoholic, anti-semitic-slur, anti-semitism, apocalypse, author, bathroom, beach, bird