Barfly

Rating:
Summary: Barfly...A true cinema masterpiece
Review: I had waited patiently for this film to be released on DVD. Alas, the day has come. I was pleased to see the theatrical trailers and commentary that accompanied the DVD!It seems that when you put an actor in the primary role of an alcoholic, the actor wins an oscar..Nicholas Cage in Leaving Las Vegas, Ray Miland in The Lost Weekend, etc...I believe that Mickey Rourke certainly should have captured the statue. His portrayal as Henry was very surreal and haunting. This movie captures the true essence of life as an alcoholic and the day to day struggles one has to endure. With Faye Dunaway as his companion, we see the true struggle of humanity. With a wonderful screenplay and articulate direction, this must see movie will definitely make you ponder. I felt that the movie was a true drama, but it has many comedic moments. You will truly be entertained with Henry's whimsical quotes and intoxicated utterances.He is the best drunk/poet you will ever witness on film! I strongly recommend this DVD!

Rating:
Summary: Punch drunk love
Review: Barbet Schroeder had long wanted to bring Bukowski to the screen, and finally found his vehicle in "Barfly," based on a screenplay he commissioned from Bukowski, who wrote a very amusing book, "Hollywood," on the making of the film, which is a must read for anyone who wants to gain a full appreciation for the movie.

Rourke was not Bukowski's first choice. Afterall, Rourke is an East Coast type, but he managed to fit himself to the role in fine gusto, taking on the persona of Bukowski in his early years in LA. Bukowski considered Faye Dunaway one of the last big-time Hollywood actresses, and speaks of her affectionately throughout his book. Bukowski didn't know what to make of Schroeder, who seemed to be singularly obsessed with Bukowski's life and times, to the point of trying to live it to capture the full essence of LA's skid row. Bukowski himself was enjoying a measure of success by this point, driving a BMW, an enjoying the finer things in life.

The film moves along at a brisk pace, bringing together a motley assortment of characters with Rourke playing his role to the hilt. Dunaway is first class as his punch drunk love. This is Rourke at his smarmiest best, take him or leave him, as one would Bukowski, who isn't everyone's bottle of muscatel.

Rating:
Summary: Ooooh, beautiful!
Review: Very few movies can seriously out-do Barfly for sheer abundance of classic one-liners. If you're an admirer of smack in the face, a-hole humor, then this is definetely the movie for you my friend.

Wanda: "I hate people, don't you hate people?"
Henry: "No, I just seem to feel alot better when they're not around."

Henry: "When your mother's crying at the funeral, I'm gonna goose her with a turkey neck."

Eddie: "You got lucky last night, I had the flu."
Henry: "What's it gonna be next time, the AIDS?"

Henry: "Here, keep the change! Go buy yourself some shewing gum! Now get to trottin'! My friends are thirsty!"

Henry: "Your mother's c**t stinks like (sniff) carpet cleaner."

Rating:
Summary: A fascinating Dramatic Comedy.
Review: When a real druken alcool (Mickey Rourke) has a real hidden talent for writing. While a drunken woman likes him (Faye Dunaway) lives with him in his apartment. A rich attractive woman (Alice Krige) bought the rights of his short stories. She tries to give him an new look for him and a change but he has to choose, what right for him or stay being one person rotten sodden sleazy misadventure after another.

Directed by Barbet Schroeder (Single White Female) made a hip, flip and often gruesomely funny Semiautobiographical film written by Charles Bukowski. Superb Performances by Rourke, Dunaway and Krige. As well as a Dynamite Jazz and R&B Score. Mickey Rourke was Nominated for Best Actor in the Independent Spirit Awards also for Best Cinematography. This Film is Not for all tastes. Rourke is a Standout in this. DVD has an sharp anamorphic Widescreen (1.78:1) transfer and an good Dolby Digital 2.0 Mono Sound. DVD has Interviews with the writer:Bukowski, Behind the Scenes featurette and Trailer. This is a cult classic. Exective Produced by Francis Ford Coppola (Apocalyspe Now). Grade:A+.

Rating:
Summary: One of My Favorite Movies
Review: I first caught Barfly on Late Night Television about 12 years ago and instantly fell in love with it. I had been looking for a cheap used Uncut VHS copy of this for awhile and just couldn't come across one. So I just purchased The DVD version. I am glad I did. Nothing like watching an older Film without the VHS wear lines and squiggles. Back to Barfly, it stars Mickey Rourke in a powerhouse role as Henry Chinaski a mostly drunk modern day poet disenfranchised by life. Faye Dunaway does an awesome job as Crazy Wanda Wilcox, Henry's love interest and self styled drunk herself . Barfly contains an excellent cast, even Frank Stallone shows up in a great role as Eddie the Bartender. Barfly contains many lines that once you hear them they will be burned into your conciousness forever. ("To All My Friends"). Barfly Blows away Leaving Las Vegas and puts Nicholas Cage to shame. I can't believe no Oscar Nominations were handed out for this Film. Barbet Scroeder directed a true masterpiece. Writen by Charles Bukowski and Loosely based on his life, and I say loosely. The DVD version has some extras which include a piece on the making of Barfly. You can't go wrong with owning this picture perfect un-cut version of Barfly.

Rating:
Summary: Punch drunk love
Review: Barbet Schroeder had long wanted to bring Bukowski to the screen, and finally found his vehicle in "Barfly," based on a screenplay he commissioned from Bukowski, who wrote a very amusing book, "Hollywood," on the making of the film, which is a must read for anyone who wants to gain a full appreciation for the movie.

Rourke was not Bukowski's first choice. Afterall, Rourke is an East Coast type, but he managed to fit himself to the role in fine gusto, taking on the persona of Bukowski in his early years in LA. Bukowski considered Faye Dunaway one of the last big-time Hollywood actresses, and speaks of her affectionately throughout his book. Bukowski didn't know what to make of Schroeder, who seemed to be singularly obsessed with Bukowski's life and times, to the point of trying to live it to capture the full essence of LA's skid row. Bukowski himself was enjoying a measure of success by this point, driving a BMW, an enjoying the finer things in life.

The film moves along at a brisk pace, bringing together a motley assortment of characters with Rourke playing his role to the hilt. Dunaway is first class as his punch drunk love. This is Rourke at his smarmiest best, take him or leave him, as one would Bukowski, who isn't everyone's bottle of muscatel.

Rating:
Summary: From a Fly on the Wall
Review: I have read most of Bukowski,love Mickey Rourke as an actor and live about three miles from where the action in the film takes place (San Pedro along Pacific Ave). For me this movie can't lose,right?

Wrong. Rourke does Bukowski sounding like W.C. Fields. While Faye Dunaway is really good, the movie grinds and lurches from one depressing scene to another, kind of like a drunk on a binge
on skid row. (Maybe that was the point). I guess I was hoping for a little more of Bukowski's insights on the human condition (he was one heck of an amateur psychologist on relationships) and a bit more nuance from Rourke.Glad I saw it once and satisfied my curiosity but I wouldnt go back there.

Rating:
Summary: SEE, THERE ARE ANGELS EVERYWHERE !
Review: Enthuses Wanda, whereupon Chinaski replies "Good , it's about time those (expletive deleted) came out of hiding!"

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And, to paraphrase the film's most memorable line: Some people never see Barfly, what truly horrible lives they must lead!

The autobiographical ' Henry Chinaski ' is one of the most disturbing characters ever created.

Why?

Because while he is a genius who has ended up up on skid row due to his unwillingness to lift a finger on his behalf, a screwed up drunk, and the quintessential All-American loser, he does not try to make us feel sorry for him, nor outraged on his behalf. He is neither self pitying nor mean spirited and his honesty is surpassed only by his warped but magnificent sense of humor.

The reason this is disturbing is because it gives one the impression that while his sufferings are, by and large, self inflicted--Gee, perhaps there is something wrong with the world we live in and its gung-ho values.

SUCCESS NEEDS NO EXPLANATIONS AND FAILURE TOLERATES NO EXCUSES!

Go ahead and shoot yourself, Van Gogh, see if I care. You're mentally ill and it's your responsibility, anyway. I may not be able to paint but if I make 40k or more a year, and have a laser printed resume, I am obviously a better human being, a take charge kinda guy, and a true adult.

Right?
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Mickey Rourke is terrific and Fay Dunaway ain't bad either. The late great Charles Bukowsky's only screenplay is as well written as any of his novels.

Indie filmmakers, eat your hearts out! This is the real deal, told with superb dialogue and without any self indulgent whining.

An American original.

Rating:
Summary: Slightly disappointing portrayal of a great artist
Review: This isn't a poor film by any means, but I was disappointed in it. As a huge fan of Charles Bukowski, I just didn't feel that it reflected all the humor, desperation, sensitivity and everyday tragedy of his novels and stories. Mickey Rourke's performance wasn't awful, but it seemed a little forced and awkward. Faye Dunaway, however, is excellent as Hank's (aka Charles') nihilistic, alcoholic girlfriend. Overall, though, I suppose when I feel the need to visit Bukowski's world, I'll stick with his stories.

Rating:
Summary: Living life with honest, mad passion
Review: Yes, this movie is raw, gritty and nasty because it depicts characters far more raw, gritty and nasty than those of us who might own a DVD player. The movie is a brilliant classic that can seriously open your mind to the emptiness of the status quo life; the madness in being just another, normal, blank face in the crowd; the option we all have to live like royalty, by our own rules, in our own right. Most people won't understand because they've never explored themselves deeply enough and critically enough to simply let themselves go crazy. There is a real point to farting, belching, and getting the snot knocked out of you in a dingy alley, just like there is a point to climbing a mountain. It's about that internal journey one must face if he is not to whither away amidst the mundane.