Updated daily because we have nothing better to do.
Friday, December 22, 2006 10:00:07 AM
DVD PICK Matt Dillon in Factotum, December 26th
by Lisa Shifra Dratch
Brent Hamer's latest film, Factotum, is an adaptation of a novel
by Charles Bukowski. Matt Dillon stars as Henry Chinaski, a struggling
author drifting between various jobs and women on a strong current of
booze. Because his sole passion is writing, Chinaski has a very lethargic
attitude about his own well being, rarely bothering to make ends meet for
himself financially. He essentially drags himself through the film and
bothers only to attempt a shag or companionship when the opportunity
blatantly presents itself. Chinaski might be merely a shell of a human
being if not for the excerpts from Bukowski's work which are sprinkled
throughout the film, lending Chinaski the soul of a writer.
Matt Dillon's performance is remarkable in this film. He manages
to be darkly funny and offers no apologies for Chinaski's "deadbeat"
behavior, committing himself fully to the truth of the character.
Lili Taylor's portrayal of Chinaski's sometimes lover, Jan, is similarly
pokerfaced. Sinking into the role of a wantonly self-important slob of
a woman, Taylor somehow rescues Jan from being merely a Jerry Springer
cast-off. Taylor's performance manages to be deeply sad and cockeyed
at the same time, a classless everywoman instead of a sideshow act.
Though the film requires some patience as Chinaski and company stumble
through, getting to know these characters is well worth the time spent.
Bonus Features
- Available Subtitles: English, Spanish
- Available Audio Tracks: English (Dolby Digital 5.1)
- Making-of documentary
- Soundtrack promotion
- Theatrical trailer
Brent Hamer's latest film, 
