Barton Fink (R)

Bizarre Hollywood dream factory. Teens only.

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Common Sense rates it
4
Seen the movie? Review it
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Movie details
  • Studio: Twentieth Century Fox
  • Directed By: Joel Coen
  • Cast: John Goodman, John Turturro
  • Running Time: 116 minutes
  • Release Date: 8/21/1991
  • Video/DVD Release Date: 5/20/2003
  • Genre: Drama
  • MPAA Rating: R
  • MPAA Explanation: violence

Parents need to know

Parents need to know that this movie isn't for kids.Young teens may also find this film very disturbing -- it includes very graphic violence and unclear definitions of right and wrong. The police do not act responsibly.

Families can talk about the violence in this film. How does it make them feel? This movie also begs questions about the place of art in Hollywood. What do the viewers think about the film's construction of Hollywood? Is film art or commerce? This film also presents an excellent opportunity to discuss film style. The Coen brothers' style contrasts to that of classical Hollywood cinema in various ways. How does it differ in terms of narrative? Character development? Aesthetics?

Message

Social Behavior:

Consumerism:

Drugs/Alcohol/Tobacco:

One character is an alcoholic.

Violence

Onscreen violence consists of a very bloody murder, gruesome gunplay, and minor fistfights. Implied off-screen violence is highly disturbing, with discussions of murder and dismemberment.

Sex

One tame sex scene.

Language

Some cursing.

Common Sense says

What's the story?

Reviewed by Kelly Kessler

Set in the early 1940s, BARTON FINK traces the bizarre foray of its title character (John Turturro) into the dark underbelly of Hollywood. On the heels of a hit play, the playwright heads to Tinseltown to make the big bucks writing a B-wrestling film. Instead of finding success, he finds himself trapped in a bizarre series of events. While struggling with writer's block at a fleabag hotel, Fink strikes up a friendship with a burly and sweaty insurance salesman (John Goodman) with a dark past, present, and future. This friendship -- and everything else Fink comes in contact with -- goes south as a grizzly turn of events leaves him artistically bankrupt and overall aimless.

Is it any good?

4
Barton Fink was the first film to win all three major awards at the Cannes Film Festival -- Palme D'or, Best Director, and Best Actor. In classic Coen style, the film combines eerily wacky characters with offbeat dark scenarios. Cinematography and design elements coalesce to create a world which welcomes the film's larger-than-life characters, odd situations, and quick-paced dialogue.

Turturro uses his awkward appearance and nervous demeanor to create an alienated artist trapped in a hellish Hollywood. John Mahoney's alcoholic genius, Judy Davis's prolific secretary, and Michael Lerner's studio exec help to round out the weird scenario. Learner earned an Academy Award for his performance.

Other choices

Fargo

The Big Lebowski

Raising Arizona

Oh Brother, Where Art Thou?

Parents and kids say

All Reviews

There are 1 reviews.

4


Posted on 12/23/07 by nnowgoo Kid contributor, age 13

A very dark, strange, and great movie

"Barton Fink" is definitely one of the Coen brothers better films. It was interesting, dark, and had a very weird twist at the end. John Tuturo did very well as the half crazy writer, Barton Fink. John Goodman also did very well as the man living next door. A great element in this movie was also the setting. Barton stays in a very ominous, strange hotel, that offers a complimentary shoe shining service. The only person that appears to be working in the hotel is a man named Chet, who is played by Steve Buscemi. The only thing that might keep you from letting your kids see it, is the one murder scene, which is very bloody. Also the movie can be disturbing, and maybe a little confusing for younger kids. A great movie, definitely see it.

Adult Reviews

There are 0 reviews.

There are no adult reviews.

Kids Reviews

There are 1 reviews.

4


Posted on 12/23/07 by nnowgoo Kid contributor, age 13

A very dark, strange, and great movie

"Barton Fink" is definitely one of the Coen brothers better films. It was interesting, dark, and had a very weird twist at the end. John Tuturo did very well as the half crazy writer, Barton Fink. John Goodman also did very well as the man living next door. A great element in this movie was also the setting. Barton stays in a very ominous, strange hotel, that offers a complimentary shoe shining service. The only person that appears to be working in the hotel is a man named Chet, who is played by Steve Buscemi. The only thing that might keep you from letting your kids see it, is the one murder scene, which is very bloody. Also the movie can be disturbing, and maybe a little confusing for younger kids. A great movie, definitely see it.
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