Barfly

Barfly, released in 1987, is a captivating drama film starring Mickey Rourke. The movie portrays the life of a hardcore alcoholic writer and his chaotic lifestyle in Los Angeles. Rourke's performance as the self-destructive and charismatic character is both raw and compelling, drawing viewers into the gritty world of struggling artists and dysfunctional relationships. With a mix of dark humor and poignant moments, Barfly explores themes of love, addiction, and the pursuit of artistic greatness amidst personal turmoil. The film captures the essence of the 1980s underground scene and offers a poignant reflection on the human condition through the lens of a troubled protagonist.

Barfly has received mixed but generally positive reviews from critics. Rotten Tomatoes gives it a solid 76% based on 29 reviews with an average rating of 6.9/10, praising Mickey Rourke's powerful portrayal and the film's gritty authenticity. IMDb rates it at 7.1/10, with users appreciating the raw emotion and dark humor. Metacritic gives it a score of 70/100, highlighting the film's compelling storytelling and Rourke's exceptional performance. Critics have lauded Barfly for its unique character study and atmospheric portrayal of the underground artist scene, making it a standout in the drama genre.