Barfly: Romance? Maybe. Romantic Comedy? Ehhhh...

Okay, confession time: I went into "Barfly" expecting something a little… lighter. You know, the kind of movie where two quirky souls find love amidst the chaos? The description made it sound like a boozy rom-com. Um, not quite. Don't get me wrong, I didn't HATE it. Mickey Rourke is mesmerizing as Henry Chinaski (Bukowski's alter ego, for those not in the know), and Faye Dunaway as Wanda is tragic and beautiful all at once. Their chemistry is weirdly captivating, like watching two stray cats circling each other before deciding whether to fight or... well, not fight. Definitely not your typical meet-cute! But "giddy" isn't exactly the word I'd use to describe their relationship. More like… a slow, hazy dance of desperation and fleeting connection. Remember that scene where Henry gets offered a plush life by the wealthy publisher? That whole sequence felt SO out of place with the rest of the movie. It's like a weird dream in the middle of a gritty nightmare, and ultimately only reinforces how committed Henry is to his miserable (but, admittedly, authentic) existence. I guess what I'm saying is, if you go in expecting "When Harry Met Sally" with whiskey, you're going to be disappointed. But if you're in the mood for something dark, unflinchingly real, and surprisingly tender in its own messed-up way... then yeah, give "Barfly" a shot (pun intended!). Just maybe don't watch it on a first date. Unless you're really trying to weed people out. Haha. P.S. Anyone else think that the final scene with the bartender just perfectly encapsulates the whole bittersweet vibe of the film? Henry, even when seemingly 'winning' is still just...Henry. Sigh.