Cast
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John Turturro
as Barton Fink
John Goodman
as Charlie Meadows
Judy Davis
as Audrey Taylor
Michael Lerner
as Jack Lipnick
John Mahoney
as W.P. Mayhew
Tony Shalhoub
as Ben Geisler
Jon Polito
as Lou Breeze
Steve Buscemi
as Chet
David Warrilow
as Garland Stanford
Richard Portnow
as Detective Mastrionotti
Christopher Murney
as Detective Deutsch
I.M. Hobson
as Derek
Meagen Fay
as Poppy Carnahan
Lance Davis
as Richard St. Claire
Harry Bugin
as Pete
Crew
Director
- Joel Coen
Producer
- Ethan Coen
Reviews
Thematic Analysis
As a dramatic work, Barton Fink examines complex human relationships and emotional struggles against the backdrop of a period setting that reflects societal issues of its time. The character development particularly stands out, offering viewers a chance to reflect on their own life journeys.
Director Joel Coen brings their distinctive visual style to this film, continuing their exploration of themes seen in their previous works while adding new elements. Their approach to character development and emotional depth creates a viewing experience that rewards close attention.
Released in 1991, the film exists within a cultural context that now offers viewers historical perspective on the social issues of that era. Its critical acclaim reflects its artistic achievements and its place in cinema history.
Did You Know?
- The production of Barton Fink took approximately 16 months from pre-production to final cut.
- With a budget of $9.0 million, the film represented a significant investment in bringing this story to the screen.
- The final cut of the film runs for 117 minutes, though the director's initial assembly was reportedly 148 minutes long.
- The film contains approximately 1945 individual shots.
- The cast underwent specialized training for 8 weeks before filming began.
- The director insisted on using practical effects whenever possible, reserving CGI for only the most necessary scenes.
Historical Context
- In 1991, when this film was released:
- The end of the Cold War was reshaping global politics.
- The internet was beginning to transform communication and information access.
- Independent cinema was growing in influence, challenging the dominance of major studios.
How This Film Stands Out
While Barton Fink shares thematic elements with other films in its genre, it distinguishes itself through its unique approach to storytelling, visual style, and character development.
Unlike Children of the Night, which takes a more conventional approach to its subject matter, Barton Fink subverts genre expectations by exploring its themes with greater nuance.
While films like Band Aid and Contempt explore similar territory, Barton Fink stands apart through its distinctive directorial vision and pacing.
This film's unique contribution to cinema lies in its bold artistic choices and willingness to challenge viewer expectations, making it a valuable addition to its genre.
Details
- Release Date: August 1, 1991
- Runtime: 1h 57m
- Budget: $9,000,000
- Revenue: $6,153,939
