Barton Fink
aka:
The Precarious Predicament of Writer's Block
On my second viewing (also known by Rocky Horror fans as "into heavy petting") I was able to fully enjoy the "empty spaces" which @
Citizen Rules expressed with both imagery and text; as well as something that was at the back of my brain while watching this the first time and I was able to confirm, having read the remark by @
CosmicRunaway regarding the reference to
Naked Lunch. Which the hotel definitely had that surreal connection to via the architecture and the mood of it all. And, watching a second time, I totally see what had previously been hinted at.
One other minor amusing observation was that, this being about a playwright, the very structure of this movie seems to set up LIKE a play. It has that feel at its very core of it. To me, it seems, anyway.
Regardless, this is, by all nuance, eccentricity and overall composition, a Coen Film. And, for anyone knowing what that entails, will understand and be enthusiastic, or possibly, should such a concept by an unpleasant one, then the apt emotion will be complete trepidation.
Because, as I've bluntly stated, this IS a Coen Film. Filled with awkward anxiety, surreal proposition, meandering dialogue and an off-center perception that borders hallucinogenic comprehension; the entire concoction mixed, blended and cleverly put on cinematic display.
For this particular endeavor, the witticisms seem to stem from inner pain; much like the leading character, (played with sublime genius by Turturro) expresses during a picnic, that any worthwhile writing comes from pain. While at the same time, the aforementioned "empty spaces" seem to allow us a safe distance to observe while leaving the extent of our emotional involvement up to us.
Along with Turturro, were other Coen "regulars" such as Buscemi and, of course, the powerhouse hitter of the Coen roster; John Goodman. In fact, the entire cast bring in strong performances; some of which have just enough hint of mockery to their character without making it such.
Now, where would I put this regarding other Coen films? Definitely in the upper echelon, that's for sure. And definitely a mandatory watch for any Coen film fan. Thanks @
Yam12 for nominating this.