Best Drama Movies on Netflix Right Now (2020)

No. 45 – Barton Fink  (1991)

Written by: Joel and Ethan Coen

Directed by: Joel and Ethan Coen

Starring John Turturro, John Goodman, Michael Lerner, Judy Davis, John Mahoney, and Tony Shalhoub

Barton Fink is the story of a screenwriter (Turturro) who is lured into Hollywood by a studio head (Lerner) where, as he attempts to write something fresh and new for his new bosses without losing his “common man” style, he encounters writers’ block. From there, Barton travels down a quirky road of encounters with serial killers, suspicious police, and higher-ups looking to profit off of his brilliance, all the while Fink attempts to cure his inability to write.

This movie, honestly, only ranks as low as it does as to be as objective as possible towards the Coen brothers, because if one does not watch themselves, every single movie the Coen Brothers have ever been involved with could end up on this list. Barton Fink is an absolutely wonderful film for several reasons. For one, John Turturro and John Goodman deliver some of their best work to date, especially Goodman who is tasked with playing almost two completely different characters in the span of the film. Also, the dialogue is so sharp, yet playful at the same time, that it’s almost mesmerizing.

Barton Fink also succeeds because of its supporting cast as well. Michael Lerner has been making a living off of playing people’s bosses in movies for as long as anyone can remember, and yet this film might be his best boss role. His turn as Jack Lipnick, Fink’s studio head boss, is commanding and scene-stealing in a movie filled with scene thieves. It will never be a bad choice to spend a couple of hours with the Coen brothers.