Opening 8 Dec 2005
Directed by:
Bent Hamer
Writing credits:
Charles Bukowski, Bent Hamer, Jim Stark
Principal actors:
Matt Dillon, Lili Taylor, Fisher Stevens, Marisa Tomei, Didier Flamand
Based on the second novel by Charles Bukowski of the same name, the central character, Henry Chinaski, is Bukowski's alter ego. Chinaski (Matt Dillon) writes as much as he can between drinking, women and gambling. He has a tough time keeping a job mostly due to his drinking, women and gambling. A kind of relationship develops between him and Jan (Lili Taylor), but she begins to dislike the new style he adopts after a winning streak at the track. He decides to move on, leaving her with a pile of money. Then he loses his day job, his gambling partner and his winning streak. But he still writes. Looking for a bed at his mom and dad's house, an immediate argument sends him back to the streets. Chinaski hangs out with Laura (Marisa Tomei) and her eccentric rich friends, but dumps them as well. He runs into Jan again who is working at a hotel. They pick up their relationship where they left off. As he continues to write, a letter from a magazine arrives at his old rooming house.
Probably only fans of Bukowski will appreciate this slow, rather predictable, walk on the mild side. (Mary Nyiri)
