Barfly (1987): A Retrospective Review Of Mickey Rourke's Classic Performance

Barfly, starring Mickey Rourke, is an unforgettable classic that has captivated audiences since its release in 1987. It tells the story of Henry Chinaski, a down on his luck writer who spends most of his days and nights at a seedy Los Angeles bar. The movie follows Chinaski’s chaotic life as he struggles to make ends meet and continues to write despite the odds being stacked against him. Not only does it feature an outstanding performance from Rourke, but also excellent supporting performances from Faye Dunaway and Alice Krige. With its gritty realism, sharp dialogue and raw emotion, Barfly is a must-see for anyone looking for a truly captivating film experience.

The cinematography in Barfly is masterful, with each scene capturing the atmosphere of the dive bars and dingy apartments where much of the action takes place. Even though it was made in 1987, its themes are still relevant today and its examination of personal struggles remain as powerful as ever. The movie also features an excellent soundtrack that perfectly captures the essence of Los Angeles during this time period.

Overall, Barfly is a timeless classic that should not be missed by any fan of great cinema. It is one of Mickey Rourke’s best performances and showcases why he remains one of Hollywood’s brightest stars even today. For those who haven’t seen it yet, it is an absolute must-watch!

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Barfly (1987) – Mickey Rourke Review

Barfly – Mickey Rourke stars in this 1987 classic and one of the most iconic films of its era. Directed by Barbet Schroeder, Barfly follows the story of an alcoholic writer and his struggles to survive in a world that doesn’t seem to understand him. The film is a gripping and honest look at addiction and its effects on people who are unable to control their own lives.

Key Features:

1. Starring Mickey Rourke

2. Directed by Barbet Schroeder

3. A gritty look at addiction

4. Iconic movie from the 1980s

5. Available on Amazon Prime Video

For those looking for an unvarnished look into the life of an alcoholic struggling with addiction, Barfly is essential viewing. This darkly comic drama offers an unflinching portrait of a man battling his inner demons while trying to balance his love for writing and drinking on the mean streets of Hollywood. The performances are top-notch, especially Mickey Rourke’s searing portrayal of Henry Chinaski, a character based on author Charles Bukowski. With its thoughtful dialogue and stunning cinematography, Barfly is truly a remarkable film that will stay with you long after you’ve watched it.

Product Details

Product	Barfly (1987)
Starring	Mickey Rourke
Genre	Drama, Comedy
Director	Barbet Schroeder
Writers	Charles Bukowski and Barbet Schroeder
Running Time	96 minutes
Rating	R

Barfly (1987) – Mickey Rourke Pros and Cons

The 1987 movie Barfly starring Mickey Rourke has become a cult classic over the years. Here are some Pros and Cons to consider before you watch:

Pros:
1. A unique story about an alcoholic writer living on the margins of society.
2. Beautifully shot, with great use of black and white photography.
3. Rourke gives a powerful performance as Henry, the main character.
4. The film features cameos from renowned actors such as Faye Dunaway and Alice Krieg.
5. An excellent soundtrack featuring music from Tom Waits and Leonard Cohen.

Cons:
1. It may be too depressing for some viewers who don’t appreciate its dark humour.
2. Some scenes can be quite graphic and not suitable for younger viewers.
3. The narrative can feel fragmented at times and might be confusing to follow for those unfamiliar with the story of Henry Chinaski (Rourke’s character).
4. If you’re looking for a feel-good movie, this isn’t it!
5. There is no happy ending, which may leave viewers feeling unsatisfied and empty after watching the movie.

Who are They for

Barfly is a classic 1987 dark comedy, starring the iconic Mickey Rourke. Directed by Barbet Schroeder, Barfly follows Henry Chinaski (Rourke), a hard-drinking poet who struggles to survive in the dive bars of Los Angeles. Despite his struggles, Chinaski finds solace in writing and drinking with friends. Along the way he meets Wanda Wilcox (Faye Dunaway), a wealthy alcoholic whose life spirals out of control as the two become entangled in an unconventional romance.

Barfly is full of memorable scenes, from the opening sequence in which Henry is seen trying to collect cans for money to pay for his drinks, to the unforgettable barroom brawls. With its realistic portrayal of alcoholism and intense performances from Rourke and Dunaway, it’s no wonder that Barfly has been hailed as one of the greatest movies about addiction. If you’re looking for a gritty yet humorous look at life on the edge, then Barfly should be at the top of your list.

My Experience for Barfly (1987) – Mickey Rourke

I’m Barfly, and I’m the only one who knows what it’s like to be a real barfly. I’ve seen it all–the late night dives, the early morning drunks, and the people who make up the bar scene.

But when I saw Mickey Rourke in Barfly, I knew that he was going to show me something new. He’s not just playing a barfly, he’s living it. He doesn’t just sit at the bar and drink, he takes part in all kinds of crazy antics and activities. He even finds himself in some pretty wild predicaments!

And no matter where he goes or what kind of trouble he gets into, Mickey Rourke still manages to show us what it really means to be a barfly. It’s not about drinking too much or getting into fights, it’s about finding your place in the world and being comfortable with who you are.

So if you’re looking for an entertaining movie that will make you laugh and think, then check out Barfly. It stars Mickey Rourke in one of his best roles ever, and it shows us what it truly means to be a real barfly.

What I don’t Like

1. Violent and disturbing scenes throughout the film
2. Lack of critical acclaim for the film
3. Potentially dated story line
4. Controversial subject matter may be considered offensive to some viewers
5. Poorly developed characters
6. Weak dialogue
7. Unsatisfying ending

How to Learn Self-Reliance by Watching Barfly (1987)

Barfly (1987) is a classic movie starring Mickey Rourke that showcases the struggles of alcoholics and their fight for survival. The main character, Henry Chinaski, is a struggling writer whose only solace comes from the hard stuff. Through his trials and tribulations, he learns valuable lessons about self-reliance.

One thing we can learn from Henry Chinaski is how to be resourceful when times get tough. Throughout the movie, he uses whatever resources are available to him – whether it’s finding an empty bottle of booze or scavenging for food. This teaches us that even in difficult situations, there are always options.

Another lesson we can take away from the movie is how to stay resilient in the face of adversity. Despite the hardships he faces, Chinaski never gives up and continues searching for ways to make ends meet. This shows us that no matter how dire a situation might seem, it’s important to keep pushing through without giving up hope.

Finally, Barfly (1987) also teaches us the importance of having a purpose in life. Despite his situation, Chinaski still finds solace in writing and pursues this passion despite all the obstacles he faces along the way. This teaches us that having something meaningful to strive toward gives our lives direction and meaning.

Overall, Barfly (1987) is a powerful lesson in self-reliance, resilience, and purpose. By watching this timeless classic, we can learn valuable lessons about how to survive even in the most challenging of times.

Questions about Barfly (1987) – Mickey Rourke

What is the plot of Barfly?

Barfly is a 1987 comedy-drama film starring Mickey Rourke as Henry Chinaski, an alcoholic writer who lives in a seedy Los Angeles bar. The story follows Chinaski as he struggles to cope with his lifestyle and relationships, while attempting to make it as a writer. Along the way, he meets Wanda Wilcox (Faye Dunaway) and falls in love, but their relationship is complicated by his drinking and her own troubled past.

Is Barfly appropriate for all audiences?

No, Barfly is rated R for strong language and alcohol use throughout, as well as some sexual content. It may not be suitable for children or those who are uncomfortable with mature themes.

Is there any special features on the DVD version?

Yes! The DVD version of Barfly has several special features, including an audio commentary from director Barbet Schroeder, deleted scenes, interviews with cast and crew members, behind-the-scenes footage, and more.

Ray Cooley

I'm a movie enthusiast with a passion for discovering the latest and greatest films. I love to watch movies with friends, discuss them online, and share my thoughts about them in reviews. The only thing I enjoy more than watching a great film is telling others why it's so special!