 |
In this dark and strange movie by the genius Coen brothers team, John Turturro is a writer suffering from severe writer's block. He buries himself in a hotel room, where all sorts of strange creatures come and go. The lines between what's real and what's imagined blur in this intense film. The writer's block is captured beautifully and is painstaking to watch...and it unfolds in a haze, much as true writer's block does for those of us who've suffered from it ourselves. A tortured artist will relate well. Although meant to make a point, the slow pace and confusing nature of the movie sometimes make it difficult to watch. It may not hold the attention of those out to watch a good, entertaining movie. Better for movie buffs and Coen fans. If you only see a few Coen brothers movies, skip this one and see Fargo or Raising Arizona instead.Read full review
The dvd was fine. No problem with function of disc. It worked like a brand new disc. The movie, however was a waste of time.
Verified purchase: Yes | Condition: Pre-owned
John Turturro (DO THE RIGHT THING) and John Goodman (THE BIG LEBOWSKI) take center stage in what is considered to be the Coen Brothers' (MILLER'S CROSSING, FARGO) most artistic movie in their filmography. 1941. A left-wing playwright (Turturro) gets called on to write a wrestling movie after the overwhelming success of his first play. Stricken with writer's block after only one sentence typed down, Turturro befriends an insurance salesman (Goodman) who has a twisted dark side to his personality. Along the way, we encounter many colorful characters within the alternate neitherworld of Golden Age/pre WWII Hollywood. W.P. Mayhew (John Mahoney), a drunken Faulknersque writer, Audrey (Judy Davis), his long-suffering assistant and Ben Geisler (Tony Shaloub), a desperate producer. Michael Lerner really commands the screen for a brief period of time as the arrogant studio chief Jack Lipnick. Lerner's ability in switching emotions from butt-kissing pleaser to disgrunted bear is nothing short of brillance. His performance really deserved that Academy Award nomination no doubt about it. BARTON FINK also represented a second chapter in the Coen Brothers legacy for a reason: Roger Deakins. The British cinematographer jumped at the chance to redefine their visual style after Barry Sonnenfeld left for a spotty directorial career. Although the camerawork is atmospheric and subtle, it never gets boring and pretentious for Turturro's out-of-control mind. The overall message shows that sometimes writer's block can lead to a great movie like this. EXTRAS INCLUDE: Eight deleted scenes, still gallery, and a Coen Brothers trailer gallery.Read full review
John Goodman was excellent as usual. But the main character was cursing the name of God so frequently, that I stopped watching the movie early on. If you can't abide the cursing out of God, don't purchase this film.
Verified purchase: Yes | Condition: Pre-owned
A comedy with well thoughtout humor. I hesitated when first choosing to watch it bit enjoyed it to the very end.
Verified purchase: Yes | Condition: New
Current slide {CURRENT_SLIDE} of {TOTAL_SLIDES}- Best Selling in DVDs & Blu-ray Discs
Current slide {CURRENT_SLIDE} of {TOTAL_SLIDES}- Save on DVDs & Blu-ray Discs
Current slide {CURRENT_SLIDE} of {TOTAL_SLIDES}- You may also like
