Factotum

[Dave The Dov]

I went to see this film which is based on the Charles Bukowski novel of the same name which I did not read. When I went into the theater I did not have the notion of I'm going to compare this movie with the other movie "Barfly" which I have seen before in which the screenplay was written by Bukowski too. That would have biased "Factotum" for me and I wouldn't be able to see the movie with a clear and open mind. Matt Dillon plays the main character Henry Chinaski. The man down on his life who is just trying to make it through with out it becoming a unbearable burden for him. Lily Taylor is his on - off love interest Jan and Marisa Tomei plays his other yet very brief love interest Laura as well. The movie has a lot of very low key humor which I found made it work for me. I would have to say that this low key humor also makes the characters come to life in the right light. If they were portrayed as very angry and violent it would have not worked at all. Although there is a scene in the movie were Dillon does belt Taylor for walking out on him during an argument. That is about the only scene that is disturbing to watch for me. But there is a another scene were Dillon is heading out for a drink during his work shift at this pickle factory. He is stopped by a much smaller man who orders him to get back to work. Dillon wrestles with the smaller man and picks him up by his head and spins around until Dillon finally lets him go. Again a scene that could have been very violent but plays with very low key humor instead. The rest of the movie involves Dillon working,writing,drinking,making love and gambling just to keep the mundane out of his life. I should point out that the film moves at a slow pace but this did not effect me enjoying it it at all!!!! I would definitely recommend this movie to Bukowski fans and to those who are curious in seeing this film.
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BMW R1200GS

[Arcadia]

I´m curious and I like Bukowski but the film isn´t around here yet, in six months or one year I´ll tell you about it!.
Thanks!

[Dave The Dov]

Wow that long of a wait!!!!
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Creole & Cajun Forum

[e_dog]

So, what's the decision. Was it better than Barfly?