Factotum
A man of many different vices
For driven, competitive, Type-As, Factotum’s Henry Chinaski (Matt Dillon) must be nothing short of appalling. Chinaski leads a life that is comprised almost exclusively of boozing, screwing, and wandering aimlessly from one mindless job to another. Oh yeah…Chinaski also likes to write stories no one wants to read.
Factotum charts the various trials and tribulations of Chinaski (aka Charles Bukowski) as he staggers through his marginal existence. This could be seen as depressing if Chinaski took anything particularly seriously. However, Chinaski’s attitude towards life seems to be generally characterized by a wry acknowledgement that life in general is absurd. To take anything too seriously is a grave misstep.
So, we watch Chinaski get fired from a pickle factory, fired from a job dusting statues, fired from a cab company, etc. Anyone who’s ever questioned exactly why the hell they bother doing what they’re doing and why anyone cares will enjoy Chinaski’s "devil may care" attitude towards employment.
When Chinaski’s not busy getting fired, he’s usually betting, getting inebriated or indulging in pleasures of the flesh with Jan (Lili Taylor). Who hasn’t fantasized about living a life that revolves around pure hedonism and self-indulgence? Okay...some of it is self-destructive, but for all of the challenging situations Chinaski puts himself in, he at least seems free.
Norwegian director Bent Hamer does an excellent job of capturing the tone of Bukowski in Factotum. Alcohol drenched and world weary, every frame of the film feels dirty and aged. Much of the film takes place in smoky bars, dimly lit rundown offices, and other seedy locations. Hamer smartly complements the performances of his actors with settings, lighting, and angles that cast numerous shadows.
Speaking of performances, perennial "hearththrob", Matt Dillon does a remarkably effective job of portraying the scummy, apathetic Chinaski. It’s an astonishing transformation for Dillon. Admittedly, Dillon’s innate physical attractiveness still comes through despite his clear attempts to dirty himself up for this role.
Complementing Dillon is Lili Taylor as Chinaski’s most consistent f-buddy, Jan. Jan leads a similarly marginal existence, spending most of her time in smoky bars and bouncing from shit job to shit job. While Chinaski and Jan are clearly well suited for each other, it’s still not easy watching the two of them writhe lustily on a brown, sweat stained mattress.
In the end, we’re left with a film that does a convincing job of capturing the dark spirit of Charles Bukowski’s largely autobiographical work. It’s not a glamorous life Chinaski (aka Bukowski) leads, but the man’s true to himself (as flawed as he may be) and that’s worth something.
Rating: 4 out of 5 stars
|
|
