[Quick Summary: A budding NY playwright goes to Hollywood in the 1930s, and descends into a hellish nightmare.]
I understood this script, but I just didn't get it what it means. *
Is this story a dark comedy? Or horror? A dream? All? None?
I have no idea.
However, I did think there was an accurate portrayal of writer's block.
I particularly liked the segue from block to interaction with another person.
It's not a sudden transition, but a gradual awareness for Barton.
ex. "BACK TO BARTON
Looking down at the page.
CLOSE ON BARTON'S FEET
Swinging in the legwell.
One foot idly swings over to nudge a pair of nicely shined shoes from where they rest, under the secretary, into the legwell. [Transition starting here.]
We hear typing start.
THE PAGE
A new paragraph being started: "A large man..."
BARTON'S FEET
As he slides them into the shoes. [Second hint.]
THE PAGE
"A large man in tights..."
The typing stops.
BARTON
Looking quizzically at the page. What's wrong?
HIS FEET
Sliding back and forth - swimming - in his shoes, which are several sizes too large. [Third hint.]
We hear a knock at the door.
BARTON
He rises and answers the door.
Charlie stands smiling in the doorway, holding a pair of nicely shined shoes.
CHARLIE: I hope these are your shoes." [Full transition to next beat.]
WHAT I'VE LEARNED: Transitioning the reader from one beat to the next starts much further back than you might realize.
Barton Fink (1991)
by Joel Coen and Ethan Coen
* Some people hate the ambiguity; others like it.
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