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Barfly 1987

“Some people never go crazy. What truly horrible lives they must lead.”

Status
Released
Runtime
100 minutes
Director
Barbet Schroeder
Networks
Golan-Globus Productions, The Cannon Group, American Zoetrope
★ TMDB users: 6.9/10 R ComedyDramaRomance Released
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Community & Your Rating
★ 6.9/10
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Quick answer

What is Barfly?

Barfly is a film first released in 1987. Catalogued under Comedy, Drama, Romance.

Type
Film
Year
1987
Status
Released
Runtime
100 minutes
Release date
Sep 2, 1987
Studios
Golan-Globus Productions, The Cannon Group, American Zoetrope
Genres
Comedy, Drama, Romance
Updated
Series guide

At a glance

Rating
★ TMDB users: 6.9/10
Episode runtime
~100 minutes
Status
Released
Networks
Golan-Globus Productions, The Cannon Group, American Zoetrope

Trailer

Overview

Barfly is a film first released in 1987. Catalogued under Comedy, Drama, Romance. Produced and broadcast by Golan-Globus Productions, The Cannon Group, American Zoetrope. Current status: Released.

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Should you watch it?

“A down‑and‑out writer and a troubled muse navigate drunken nights in a gritty L.A. bar.”

Reasons to watch
  • Mickey Rourke delivers an intense performance
  • Authentic portrayal of a boozy writer’s life
  • Barbet Schroeder’s direction captures Los Angeles’ underbelly
Keep in mind
  • Frequent heavy drinking scenes may deter some viewers
  • The bleak, down‑on‑the‑skids tone can feel relentless

Watch it if you appreciate raw, character‑driven stories about struggling artists and bar culture.

The film features frequent alcohol use and bleak themes, making it unsuitable for younger audiences.

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Frequently asked questions

What genre is Barfly?

Barfly is an American black comedy that blends drama and romance.

Who directed Barfly?

Barfly was directed by Barbet Schroeder.

Who are the lead actors in Barfly?

The film stars Mickey Rourke and Faye Dunaway.

Is Barfly based on a true story?

It is a semi‑autobiography of poet Charles Bukowski, reflecting his heavy drinking in Los Angeles.

When was Barfly released?

Barfly was released in the United States on October 16, 1987.

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