Could someone explain Barton Fink to me?

[Neverending]

I understand the whole concept of Barton having writer's block and dealing with Hollywood and not being able to relate with the common man. However, I can't understand the whole building situation, John Goodman's character, the ending, etc.

Could someone sum up the symbolisms for me?

[Neverending]

Am I the only one who's seen this movie?

[Inferno]

There's of course debate about what exactly it all means, but here goes. John Goodman is the common man that Barton wants so desperately to write about, but Barton is so caught up in himself that he doesn't see it. The building has often been said to represent hell, eg when we first see the bellboy he goes up from "below", and there's all that fire. It may represent Barton's own descent into hell.

As for the package, well, who knows!

Barton Fink is one of those movies that you probably shouldn't have someone explain to you. It's better to watch it again and again getting something new out of it each time. I love this film and how it keeps me thinking. Wish they'd release a widescreen version on DVD.

[Neverending]

John Goodman is the common man that Barton wants so desperately to write about, but Barton is so caught up in himself that he doesn't see it.

Yeah, I understood that part of the story. It's funny how Goodman continues to tell Barton "I have stories to tell..." and Barton just keeps on interrupting him. Then when he discovers who Goodman's character really is he is like inspired. He could have been inspired WAY before that. If only he would have listened. He could have written his story and prevented that woman from being killed.

[MPArks]

Incidentially, Fink is reportedly based on playwright-turned-screewriter Clifford Odets and John Mahoney's character is based on William Faulkner, who was in Hollywood around the same time working on screenplays for the likes of To Have and Have Not and The Big Sleep.

[Neverending]

Yes, I am aware of that. However, I don't think it changes anything. Remember the whole Fargo thing?