When we first meet Henry Chinaski (Mickey Rourke), we don't know how to place him. We meet Henry during a bar fight. When I first began to watch the fight, I thought to myself, "typical Mickey Rourke tough guy." To my surprise, Henry loses the fight. In fact, he gets creamed. Don't judge this character on your first impressions; wait to you get to know him.

Henry Chinaski: alcoholic, loser, poet, liar, dirt bag, lover, and one of the most interesting film characters of the 80's. Truly one of a kind. I don't think i've ever seen a character quite like him. He's one of those characters, that has so many flaws, and so many reasons to dislike him. Which makes it all the more surprising, that by the end of the film, you'll say to yourself, "I like Henry." At least I did.

When Henry isn't stealing bread and booze from his neighbors, you can find him at the local bar picking fights. If he's not there, he'll probably be at home writing wonderful poetry.

If you're looking for a plot in Barfly, you're going to be sourly disappointed. This is a film that is about alcoholics, but here's the refreshing thing, there's no moral to the story. The film never judges it's characters, or makes them feel unworthy. Barfly is simply an observation. Also, if you think the film is similar to other drinking films, say Leaving Las Vegas, think again. Barfly is not a downer. In fact, it truly celebrates life.

Then one day Henry meets Wanda Wilcox (Faye Dunaway). She too is an alcoholic, but Henry see's her and describes her as a "distressed Goddess." The two characters hit it off automatically.
Wanda: I can't stand people. I hate them. Do you hate them?
Henry: No. But I seem to feel better when they're not around.

The film is nothing amazing to look at, it's nothing more than a filmed play. Those people who love films like Glengarry Glen Ross, Hurlyburly, Your Friends & Neighbors, etc. Well you're the people who owe to yourselves to see this film.

Barfly is all about dialogue and fine performances. Mickey Rourke, who may be the most underrated actor of his time, gives a performance few others could handle. Everything from his unusual accent, to the way he walks, well it's just perfect. He has an amazing talent.

Faye Dunaway. Well anyone who knows anything about cinema, knows she's an acting God. She's been in some of the greatest films of all time, and delivered some of the best performances. She is, exactly what you would expect, sensational.

The film has some of the best dialogue I have seen in a film. One scene in particular, strikes me as quite brilliant. It's when Henry finds out Wanda left the bar with another guy. He says, "Why did it have to be Eddie? He symbolizes everything that disgusts me. Obviousness, unoriginal, macho energy, ladies man."

Henry's speech could be taken out of context, and compared to other films. When you compare Barfly to another movie, that film might seem, obvious, unoriginal, and filled with macho energy. Barfly is truly one of a kind.















Recommended:
Yes

Viewing Format: VHS
Video Occasion: Good for a Rainy Day