Barfly Synopsis & Review: Plot Summary

🎯 Quick Overview

😅 Plot Summary – Badly Explained

A homeless writer drinks and fights until two women, one rich and one equally down-and-out, decide he’s the hottest thing since sliced bread, resulting in more drinking.

🍿 Barfly: Detailed Plot Synopsis

Introduction to Henry Chinaski

Henry Chinaski, portrayed by Mickey Rourke, is a talented but severely alcoholic writer who spends his days and nights in Los Angeles bars. He rejects the traditional American dream, finding solace in drinking, writing, and occasionally engaging in bar fights. Henry’s life is a deliberate defiance of societal norms, preferring the freedom of his self-destructive lifestyle. He is regularly seen at The Golden Horn bar, antagonizing the bartender, Eddie.

Meeting Wanda Wilcox

After being kicked out of his usual haunt, Henry ventures into another bar where he encounters Wanda Wilcox, played by Faye Dunaway. Wanda is a fellow alcoholic and barfly, equally disillusioned with conventional life. They find a connection in their shared lifestyle and cynical outlook. Wanda openly admits her willingness to leave with anyone offering her alcohol.

Relationship and Temptation

Henry and Wanda move in together, forming a codependent and volatile relationship fueled by alcohol. Their bond is tested when Tully Sorenson, a literary agent played by Alice Krige, enters Henry’s life. Tully is captivated by Henry’s writing and offers him a chance at a more conventional and successful life. This introduces a stark contrast between the squalor Henry is accustomed to and the potential for a more comfortable existence.

The Choice

Tully attempts to integrate Henry into her world, providing him with money and a taste of the high life, including sleeping with him. However, Henry ultimately rejects this opportunity, realizing he cannot reconcile his artistic integrity with the compromises required for mainstream success. He chooses to return to Wanda and his familiar lifestyle, despite its obvious flaws.

⚠️ Spoilers and Ending Explained

🎬 Cast & Characters

• Henry Chinaski (Mickey Rourke): A talented but self-destructive alcoholic writer who prefers the freedom of a barfly to conforming to societal expectations.
• Wanda Wilcox (Faye Dunaway): A fellow alcoholic and barfly who forms a complex and codependent relationship with Henry.
• Tully Sorenson (Alice Krige): A wealthy and cultured literary agent who is captivated by Henry’s writing and tries to offer him a better life.
• Eddie (Frank Stallone): A shallow and aggressive bartender who frequently gets into fights with Henry, representing everything Henry despises.
• Detective (Jack Nance): Hired by Tully to find Henry.

💬 Memorable Quotes

• Henry: “Some people never go crazy. What truly horrible lives they must lead.” – This quote encapsulates Henry’s rejection of societal norms and embrace of his unconventional lifestyle.
• Wanda Wilcox: “I can’t stand people, I hate them.” – Wanda says this when first meeting Henry, expressing her misanthropic outlook on the world.
• Henry: “Anybody can be a non-drunk. It takes a special talent to be a drunk. It takes endurance. Endurance is more important than truth.” – Henry’s cynical philosophy, highlighting his dedication to drinking as a lifestyle choice.
• Henry: “Anyone can get a job. It takes a man to make it without working.” – Henry explains his disdain for conventional employment and his pursuit of freedom.
• Henry: “To my friends!” – Henry’s toast at the end of the movie celebrates his unconventional friendships and chosen way of life.

💰Box Office

• Budget: $3,000,000
• Domestic Gross: $3,221,568
• Worldwide Gross: $3,221,774

💥 Barfly Reviews

Personal Review

I first saw Barfly in my early twenties, and it hit me hard. Mickey Rourke’s portrayal of Henry Chinaski is unforgettable. The raw honesty and unapologetic way he lives his life, even though it’s a mess, resonated with me. I felt like I understood him. The scenes in the bar, the fights, the conversations with Wanda – they all felt so real. Plus, the ending, when he chooses his life over the ‘golden cage’, is powerful. This movie made me think about what truly matters and to question societal expectations.

• Who would enjoy:
  • “Fans of Charles Bukowski’s writing”
  • “Viewers interested in character-driven dramas”
  • “Those who appreciate independent films exploring unconventional lifestyles”
• Content warnings ⚠:
  • “Depictions of alcoholism and substance abuse”
  • “Strong language”
  • “Some violence”
  • “Mature themes”

Professional Reviews

• Roger Ebert: “Rourke embodies Bukowski’s spirit with a raw, almost feral energy. Barfly isn’t just about alcoholism; it’s a character study of a man who rejects societal norms, finding solace and authenticity in the depths of despair. Schroeder’s direction creates a world that’s both grimy and strangely beautiful.
• Variety: “Barfly is a compelling, albeit unconventional, romance. The film is driven by strong performances from Rourke and Dunaway, who bring vulnerability and depth to their roles. The script, penned by Bukowski himself, offers sharp dialogue and moments of unexpected humor.
• Janet Maslin: “While Barfly captures the spirit of Bukowski’s writing, the film ultimately feels episodic and lacking in narrative drive. Rourke’s performance is captivating, but the film’s exploration of alcoholism feels somewhat romanticized.

Audience Reactions

Rourke’s performance captures Bukowski’s essence perfectly.: Viewers appreciated the authentic portrayal of alcoholism and the gritty realism of the bar scenes.

The dialogue is witty and insightful, reflecting Bukowski’s unique voice.: Many loved the unconventional romance between Henry and Wanda, praising the chemistry between Rourke and Dunaway.

Overall Consensus: Barfly is a character-driven drama praised for its realistic depiction of alcoholism and strong performances. While some found it episodic, many appreciated the film’s gritty authenticity and Bukowski’s unique voice.

Awards

1. Independent Spirit Awards (Best Cinematography)- 1988

🛠️ Behind the Scenes

• “Charles Bukowski wrote the screenplay, which is semi-autobiographical, based on his own experiences as a struggling writer and alcoholic.”
• “Mickey Rourke gained weight and reportedly didn’t bathe for weeks to better embody the character of Henry Chinaski.”
• “Director Barbet Schroeder allegedly threatened to cut off his own finger to secure more funding for the film, demonstrating his passion for the project.”
• “Bukowski had mixed feelings about Mickey Rourke’s portrayal of him. Bukowski thought Rourke was too flashy and cocky for the part.”

🖥️ How to Watch Barfly?

As of October 2024, ‘Barfly’ is available for rent or purchase on various digital platforms such as Prime Video, Apple TV, Google Play Movies, and Vudu. Check these services for current pricing and availability. Physical copies on DVD and Blu-ray are also available for purchase online from retailers like Amazon and other major outlets.

🎥 Similar Movies

If you enjoyed Barfly, you might like these similar films:

• Factotum (2005): Based on another Charles Bukowski novel, this film offers a similar portrayal of Henry Chinaski’s life as a struggling writer and alcoholic.
• Leaving Las Vegas (1995): Features a man who is going to Las Vegas to drink himself to death.
• Sid and Nancy (1986): Another dark and gritty romance about people who are down on their luck.
• The Wrestler (2008): Mickey Rourke gives another great performance as a man down on his luck, and trying to hold onto what he has left.
• Fear and Loathing in Las Vegas (1998): Another cult classic about a man who is using substances to cope with life.

🛒 Barfly Related Products

• Charles Bukowski: Hollywood: Bukowski’s novel about making Barfly, a brutally honest and humorous behind-the-scenes look at the film’s production.
• Bukowski: Born Into This [DVD]: A comprehensive documentary on Charles Bukowski’s life and work, featuring interviews and archival footage.
• Barfly Movie Poster: A high-quality print of the original Barfly movie poster, perfect for fans of the film and Bukowski’s work.
• Charles Bukowski T-Shirt: Officially licensed T-shirt featuring iconic Bukowski quotes.

🎧 Soundtrack

Barfly features a captivating soundtrack that enhances the movie’s atmosphere and emotional impact. Here are some notable tracks:

• “Hip Hug-Her” – performed by Booker T. & the M.G.s
• “Various classical pieces by Mozart and Beethoven” – performed by Various Artists

You can find the complete soundtrack on Amazon Music and Apple Music.

🤨 FAQ

🔥 Bonus Content

Charles Bukowski: Why most Writers are Boring.

Ever wondered what Charles Bukowski thought about other writers? This short clip gives you his unfiltered opinion – and it’s pretty brutal! You might not agree with everything he says, but it’s definitely thought-provoking.

Barfly – “A Draft” – Mickey Rourke x Frank Stallone x Jack Nance

Want a taste of ‘Barfly’ without committing to the whole movie right now? This scene with Mickey Rourke, Frank Stallone, and Jack Nance perfectly captures the film’s gritty charm. Seriously, the dialogue is gold!

the poetry that inspired harry styles’ music (explained by a literature graduate)

Did you know Charles Bukowski’s poetry influenced Harry Styles? This video breaks down Bukowski’s impact on modern music. Whether you’re a literature buff or a Harry Styles fan, it’s a super interesting connection!

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