Barton F Reviews

The Matrix (1999)

I don't know

[21 June 1999]

I hate to admit it, but I actually enjoyed this movie. I'll get to that later, but first I'll say this: It's NOT a good movie. I've heard comparisons to great works of art such as Blade Runner and 2001, but this is not a philosophical movie. It doesn't even get to where Dark City got (which wasn't such a great movie either). There are some bits where you can detect a philosophical question, but it's way too forced and unbelievable, especially from these characters. There are a lot of plot holes and ridiculous situations, and many characters are very lame (Morpheus?! give me a break!). The one nice actor and character was that of Agent Smith, the major villain. But, like I said, I enjoyed the movie. Now, I consider myself a man with quality taste, in movies as well. Let's just say, this is not my type of movie. Why I enjoyed it? I really don't have a clue. I despise action movies, which base themselves on special effects and ridiculous plots. But this movie I liked. And it's not that my taste has changed, because give me any other action movie and I'll hate it. I really liked the action sequences and special effects. The movie itself was directed quite well, actually. I was excited by superficial and popular elements, and I'm still torturing myself for that. But who knows? There might be something else in this film. There must be, because I don't enjoy others that I THINK are like it. But maybe you should give it a chance and see it for yourself. If you find that special something, I'd like to hear it.

Barton Fink (1991)

The Coen's best film yet and one of the world's greatest

[10/10 · 17 April 1999]

This film is beautiful. You can understand how much I like it by my nickname. I'm a very big fan of the Coen Brothers, and this is by far their best. From the great story-line, to the strange and disturbing setting, to the dark humor, to the weird and surrealistic little moments. The acting is superb. John Turturro plays the title role, and his acting is touching and emotional. John Goodman, playing Barton's next door neighbor, is frightening and hysterical at the same time (he again shows how excellent an actor he can be, as usual with his performances in the Coen's films). Michael Lerner and John Pollito are hilarious, and John Mahoney does a great job. Judie Davis is also pretty good. It's a little hard to tell about the story without spoiling it, but here it is: Barton Fink is a rising play writer on Broadway in the 1940's, and after his latest play receives great acclaim and praise, he is employed by a big Hollywood studio to write movie scripts. He moves to LA, but when given his first assignment (a B-type boxing movie) he hits a writer's block. At the same time, he meets his neighbor in the hotel in which he's staying, who is a good-natured, simple salesman. They strike a friendship, as he represents to Barton the simple people of America, the subject of his writing. From there the story continues to unfold in various directions, until a horrible murder occurs. Telling more would be a sin, so I'll stop here, but I hope I've caught your attention. The camera work in this film is fantastic (as usual with the Coens), and there are some great, memorable parts in the film (the peeling wallpaper, the picture in the hotel room, the mosquito and more). The final scene is unforgettably beautiful. A must see for any Coen fan or anyone who can appreciate excellent and thought-provoking cinema.

Naked (1993)

A brilliant film, one of the best

[10/10 · 3 April 1999]

Not only is Naked excellent from an artistic point of view (great acting, witty and intelligent dialogue and script, interesting characters etc.), but it also contains philosophical ideas and arguments which are a challenge to the mind. This movie is among the best films I have ever watched. I recommend it to every person who can appreciate good film making and enjoys intellectual mind-games and debates.