Synopsis
This drama centers on Hank Chinaski, the fictional alter-ego of "Factotum" author Charles Bukowski, who wanders around Los Angeles, CA trying to live off jobs which don't interfere with his primary interest, which is writing. Along the way, he fends off the distractions offered by women, drinking and gambling.
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Cast
- Matt DillonHenry Chinaski
- Lili TaylorJan
- Marisa TomeiLaura
- Fisher StevensManny
- Didier FlamandPierre
- Adrienne ShellyJerry
- Karen YoungGrace
- Thomas LyonsTony Endicott
- Dean BrewingtonOld Black Man
- James CadaBald Man
Recommendations
- 91
Christian Science Monitor
Factotum is so sly and low-key hilarious that anybody can be in on the joke. - 80
Film Threat
Bukowski had a bunch of none too kind things to say about “Barfly" upon its release in the 80s, but, with Factotum, he'd do plenty of bitching and moaning as well, but deep down, Hank would approve. - 80
L.A. Weekly
This is also an acidly funny work, even if the humor is that of a man who drinks to stave off the pain and madness of sobriety. In his finest performance since "Drugstore Cowboy," Dillon plays Chinanski with funereal grandiosity. - 80
The New York Times
Like the film itself, Mr. Dillon’s performance works through understatement. - 80
Los Angeles Times
The result is a surprisingly satisfying film, true to Bukowski and itself, a work that manages to make the man and his profane world more palatable without compromising on who he was and what he stood for. - 70
The Hollywood Reporter
Matt Dillon is pitch-perfect as Bukowski's alter ego Hank Chinaski. - 63
ReelViews
After a while, Factotum surrenders to monotony and only the performances are likely to retain the viewer's interest. - 60
Variety
Arguably one of the best adaptations of Bukowski's work, even compared with Bukowski's own script for 1997's "Barfly," deadpan timing and ace perfs bring out the morose humor and surprising warmth in the often miserabilist scribe's voice.
