| Show Barton Fink defies categorization surreal categorization surreal cerebral absurd with a macabre twist Andrew Wade Staff Writer HE title Barton Fink refers THE Tto to the main character played by John ro a New York playwright on the brink of fame and fortune fortune fortune for for- tune as a result of his recent play honoring the common man In the midst of this acclaim acclaim acclaim ac ac- claim Barton is offered a writing screen-writing contract from froma 1 a major s studio and he reluctantly reluctantly reluctantly accepts Upon his arrival the dubious task of writing a wrestling picture is bestowed upon him While staying in ina a run down motel in Los Angeles Angeles Angeles An An- geles Barton meets many unusual unusual unusual un un- usual people The only seemingly ordinary person is Bartons Barton's neighbor Charlie Meadows John Goodman of King Ralph What follows is a film that defies categorization it itIs itis itis is surreal cerebral absurd with a macabre twist To Tosum Tosum Tosum sum it up Barton Fink was awarded three of the top honors from the 1991 Cannes Cannes Cannes Can Can- nes Film Festival including Best Film Best Actor and Best Director In other words this is not a film for everyone but it is most certainly certainly certainly a film for fans of the duo responsible the Coen brothers Producer and director Ethan and Joel Coen have created some of the most original and captivating films in modern cinema From their first venture the highly acclaimed sleeper hit Blood Simple to the wall the comedy Raising Arizona and last years attempt at the gangster movie Millers Miller's C the Coens have been on the cinematic edge visually and pushing the envelop of various film genres Barton Fink is no different With a fascinating performance by John 1 who is gaining gaining gaining gain gain- ing renown with roles in films like Do the Right Thing and Jungle Fever Barton Fink explores the world of the writer while weaving a tale that David Lynch would be proud of Barton Fink is unusual and at times nonsensical As stated before this is not a film for everyone but none- none if for you are looking something out of the nary it does have interesting characters and many humorous moments which are enjoyable |
