Barton Fink

1991

"Creativity can be a dark and twisted road."

Also known as: 🇵🇹 PT: Barton Fink – Delírios de Hollywood^? 🇮🇹 IT: Barton Fink - È successo a Hollywood^? 🇰🇷 KO: 바톤 핑크^? 🇨🇳 ZH: 巴頓芬克^? All international titles (5) →

Drama Thriller Comedy 117 min 7.6/10

Awards & Recognition

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3 Wins

0 Nominations

3 Total

Cannes

3

• Wins 3

Year	Festival	Category	Winner
1991	Cannes	Best Actor	John Turturro
1991	Cannes	Palme d'Or	Joel Coen
1991	Cannes	Best Director	Joel Coen

Synopsis

Barton Fink is a movie released in 1991.

In this darkly comedic exploration of creativity and madness, a celebrated New York playwright is lured to the sun-soaked allure of Hollywood with promises of fame and fortune. However, what he uncovers is a surreal nightmare that blurs the lines between inspiration and insanity. As he struggles to write a screenplay, his journey becomes a labyrinthine reflection of the artistic process, revealing the absurdities and horrors lurking beneath the glamorous veneer of the film industry. With its razor-sharp wit and striking visual style, this film masterfully dissects the struggles of the creative mind, showcasing the frustrations of artistic integrity in an environment rife with commercial pressures. The film's unique blend of comedy, drama, and thriller elements creates an atmosphere that is both unsettling and thought-provoking. Featuring standout performances and the Coen brothers' signature storytelling, this cinematic gem invites viewers to question the very nature of creativity and the costs of success, making it a must-watch for anyone who has ever grappled with the complexities of their own ambitions.

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Parental Guide — Suitable for 13+

13+

Content guidance for parents

Category	Level	Indicator
Violence	2/5
Sexual Content	2/5
Language	3/5
Drugs / Alcohol	2/5
Frightening Elements	2/5

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Detailed explanations

Violence

There are some scenes that depict mild violence and tension, including confrontations that may be unsettling.

Sexual Content

There are references to sexual situations and some suggestive content, but no explicit scenes.

Language

The film contains moderate profanity and strong language throughout.

Drugs / Alcohol

There are scenes depicting alcohol consumption and references to alcohol use.

Frightening Elements

The film includes some intense moments that may be disturbing to younger viewers.

Summary for parents:

Barton Fink is a darkly comedic drama that explores the struggles of a writer in Hollywood. While it has thought-provoking themes and some mild violence, suggestive content, and strong language, it is generally suitable for older teens and above. Parents may want to discuss the film's themes with younger viewers.

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Connections with other movies

This movie has thematic and stylistic connections with the following productions:

No Country for...

2007

Same Director Joel Coen

Fargo

1996

Same Director Joel Coen

The Batman

2022

Same Actor John Turturro

Monsters, Inc.

2001

Same Actor John Turturro

Crime 101

2026

Similar Theme

Send Help

2026

Similar Genre

Where to Watch Barton Fink Online

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Box Office

Budget: $9,000,000

Revenue: $6,153,939

Profit -$-2,846,061

ROI -31.6% (0.7x)

Reviews & Opinions about Barton Fink

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Barton Fink is directed by Joel Coen .

Cast of Barton Fink

John Turturro

Barton Fink

John Goodman

Charlie Meadows

Judy Davis

Audrey Taylor

John Mahoney

W.P. Mayhew

View Full Cast Cast Filmography

See the complete cast and other films with these actors.

Crew & Production

Joel Coen

Director

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2007 8.2

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1998 8.1

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Keywords

#los angeles, california 122 #neo-noir 89 #1940s 83 #hotel 50 #movie business 29 #neighbor 27 #mass murder 18 #screenwriter 10 #screenplay 5 #século xx 4

Production Companies

Working Title Films

Circle Films

Trivia & Fun Facts about Barton Fink

5

• In the hotel scenes, the wallpaper features a unique pattern that mirrors the chaotic mind of Barton Fink, adding a layer of visual storytelling to the film.

  Easter Egg ai

• There is a continuity error regarding the presence of a cigarette in a scene where Barton is speaking with Charlie; the cigarette disappears and reappears between shots.

  Movie Mistake ai

• The film's score, composed by Carter Burwell, features a blend of jazz and orchestral elements that enhance the film's tension and dark humor.

  Other ai

• The film was shot on location at the historic Wiltern Theatre in Los Angeles, which provided a unique backdrop that contributed to the film's surreal atmosphere.

  Behind the Scenes ai

• In one scene, the character Charlie Meadows, played by John Goodman, is seen with a heavy accent that was inspired by the Coen brothers' observations of real-life Hollywood personalities.

  Fun Fact ai