"Barton Fink"

(Robert) Masseo Davis
Feb/ 03/ 2008
Barton Fink

Barton Fink, Directed by The Coen Brothers.

Rating: 3.7/5

I figured that starting this site of with this film would be suitable because, it would allow me to pay homage to both the Coen Brothers, and this years upcoming Academy Awards. The Coen Brothers that also made “No Country For Old Men” directed Barton Fink”. I feel that it is safe to say that if you are the type of movie watcher that doesn’t like films that make you think then this is not a film for you.
Barton Fink is an example of what could be called contemporary or modern surrealism, influenced by both the normative standards of Hollywood normative filmmaking tactics as well as referential and old surrealist films.
John Turturro and John Goodman, star in the Coen Brothers feature film titled,
“Barton Fink”. The film is the story about a writer named Barton Fink (Tuturro) whose motives are based on the notion of making art for the people. Honest true and realistic works that illustrate the lives of reality yet never are portrayed in classical Hollywood narratives. Over the course of the film we the audience begin to see that Tuturro’s character Barton, doesn’t listen, and almost imposes his views on others such as Goodman’s character. This aspect of the film alone will be the guild that will lead a viewer to the films moral that one must listen if they truly wish to speak for the people.
If you’re the type of person who likes films like the player than I would suggest you see this film because it is a completely different way to discuss the creative process; In specific context of the Hollywood industry. It is a little hard for those who know little about old Hollywood norms of production, and the reality of how movies were almost literally manufactured as apposed to created.
The film is what could be argued as a modern/ contemporary version of Surrealism, it utilizes completely peculiar images such as Extreme Close Ups, and bizzar imagery that is rarely explained, like the painting on the wall in Barton’s Hotel room, which later doubles as the setting for the last shot of the film.
In conclusion, this film is a grand illustrative piece of work that while stands as what could be called contemporary surrealism manages to hold a statement. That one must listen first to be apart of the collective minds that speak for the people.