Barton Fink

Name: Barton Fink
Genre: Comedy, Drama, Thriller
Released: 1991-08-01
Cast: John Turturro, John Goodman, Judy Davis, Michael Lerner, John Mahoney

1991 | 117 min | Comedy, Drama, Thriller

Saturday Special

Why it’s a Saturday Special

It earned strong reviews (90% on Rotten Tomatoes), it drew serious awards attention and it's still drawing plenty of interest, despite a box office loss. A strong pick for the weekend.

Based on critics, audiences, awards, box office and buzz. Details below.

Is it for you?

Who'll love it: Made for anyone who likes to be kept guessing and anyone who wants a laugh.
The mood: Funny with heart, tense.
The pace: Takes its time with its characters, at 1 hr 57 min.
What might put you off: Rated R: expect violence.

A renowned New York playwright is enticed to California to write for the movies and discovers the hellish truth of Hollywood.

How it earned its rating

CriticsStrong
90% on Rotten Tomatoes
AudiencesSolid
7.5 out of 10
AwardsStrong
Won 3 Cannes awards: Cannes Film Festival: Outstanding Achievement in Feature Film Casting – Drama, Cannes Film Festival: Best Director, Cannes Film Festival: Best Actor. Also nominated for 3 Oscars and 1 Golden Globe. Plus 6 other awards.
Box office & staying powerBelow par
$6 million worldwide on a $9 million budget; still draws a steady audience long after release
Buzz & cultural impactStrong
About 253K people sought it out in the past year