SummaryBased 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
Barfly
Metascore
Generally Favorable
70
User score
Generally Favorable
6.8
My Score
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Top Cast
Metascore
Generally Favorable
70
73% Positive
11 Reviews
11 Reviews
20% Mixed
3 Reviews
3 Reviews
7% Negative
1 Review
1 Review
100
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.
88
Barfly is a perfectly incorrigible comedy, a movie of unusual shape and unpredictable moves. [25 Nov 1987, p.D9]
80
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.
75
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]
70
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.
50
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.
37
The first four letters say it all.
User score
Generally Favorable
6.8
75% Positive
6 Ratings
6 Ratings
13% Mixed
1 Rating
1 Rating
13% Negative
1 Rating
1 Rating
Aug 13, 2024
9
I absolutely love Barfly. The dark humor, struggles, and triumphs of a most unlikely hero's seemingly meaningless life. It strikes a personal chord with me in that Faye Dunaway's Wanda Wilcox is a carbon copy of a woman I will eternally love, but ultimately can't be with because alcohol will always come first for her. I watch Barfly whenever I think about her. At first it makes me sad, but the movie carries me through, and as it ends it gives me the feeling that just like with Henry, everything is gonna be okay.
Production Company:
- Golan-Globus Productions
- Zoetrope Studios
Release Date:Oct 16, 1987
Duration:1 h 40 m
Rating:R
Tagline:Some people never go crazy. What truly horrible lives they must lead.
Awards
Golden Globes, USA
• 1 Nomination
Film Independent Spirit Awards
• 2 Nominations
Cannes Film Festival
• 1 Nomination
