X
- 1987
- R
- The Cannon Group
- 1 h 40 m
- 1987
- R
- The Cannon Group
- 1 h 40 m
Summary Based on the life of successful poet Charles Bukowski and his exploits in Hollywood during the 60s, 70s, and 80s.
Directed By: Barbet Schroeder
Written By: Charles Bukowski
- 1987
- R
- The Cannon Group
- 1 h 40 m
- 1987
- R
- The Cannon Group
- 1 h 40 m
Barfly
70
6.4
Where to Watch
Summary Based on the life of successful poet Charles Bukowski and his exploits in Hollywood during the 60s, 70s, and 80s.
Directed By: Barbet Schroeder
Written By: Charles Bukowski
Where to Watch
Top Cast
Metascore
Generally Favorable
Based on 15 Critic Reviews
70
73% Positive
11 Reviews
11 Reviews
20% Mixed
3 Reviews
3 Reviews
7% Negative
1 Review
1 Review
Metascore
Generally Favorable
Based on 15 Critic Reviews
70
73% Positive
11 Reviews
11 Reviews
20% Mixed
3 Reviews
3 Reviews
7% Negative
1 Review
1 Review
A truly original American movie, a film like no other, a period of time spent in the company of the kinds of characters Saroyan and O'Neill would have understood, the kinds of people we try not to see, and yet might enjoy more than some of our more visible friends.
Barfly is a perfectly incorrigible comedy, a movie of unusual shape and unpredictable moves. [25 Nov 1987, p.D9]
Though it's set within the world of the seriously down-and-out in Los Angeles and is about people who are at the end of their ropes, Barfly somehow manages to be gallant and even cheerful. It has an admirably lean, unsentimental screenplay by Charles Bukowski, the poet laureate of America's misbegotten.
To have a great time with Barfly's funny funkiness, you don't have to share Bukowski's soused attitude toward alcoholism, however; Mickey Rourke and Faye Dunaway, whose wonderful performances transcend Bukowski's conceit, certainly don't. [13 Nov 1987]
Schroeder's direction of Charles Bukowski's script is consistent with the film's throwaway mood, stresses the upbeat, and mercifully eschews seriousness, cleverly relying on Robby Müller's efficient colour photography to create atmosphere.
O'Rourke acts way over the top; Dunaway is more effective because she seems more desperate. Both characters are the kind of people who want to be left alone. That's what you may feel like after you spend a few minutes with them in one long brawl after one long argument after one long soliloquy.
The first four letters say it all.
User Score
Generally Favorable
Based on 7 User Ratings
6.4
71% Positive
5 Ratings
5 Ratings
14% Mixed
1 Rating
1 Rating
14% Negative
1 Rating
1 Rating
User Score
Generally Favorable
Based on 7 User Ratings
6.4
71% Positive
5 Ratings
5 Ratings
14% Mixed
1 Rating
1 Rating
14% Negative
1 Rating
1 Rating
There are no user reviews yet. Be the first to add a review.
Awards
Golden Globes, USA
• 1 Nomination
Film Independent Spirit Awards
• 2 Nominations
Cannes Film Festival
• 1 Nomination
