With BARFLY, this was one of two 1987 releases to be based on the writings of Charles Bukowski. Several Bukowski stories served as the inspiration for the film which is divided into three segments centering on a character named Harry Voss. The film opens with Voss at the age of 12
(Hunaerts) when he believes that love is a pure and wondrous emotion, and follows the character as his illusions are slowly eroded until, by the time he is 29 (and played by De Pauw) he is a alcoholic street bum. Covering a gamut of perversions from voyeurism to necrophilia, the film is often
shocking, but reflects Bukowski's ongoing concerns about beauty, passion, and dark secrets.
Released:
1987
Rated:
NR
Length:
90 mins