I drove thirty miles into Sparks yesterday with the intention of picking up a couple of things from Michael's. The sign on the front door said, "Opening Soon."
Okay, so there's a gallon of gas shot to hell. I walked next door to the electronics store thinking that I might pick up a video game or a new cell phone to replace the one that doesn't work, but after a few minutes of examining the options, I decided that I didn't want to part with the money and headed for the door.
On the way out I noticed the dvd I'd been wanting to see since the movie was made - Factotum, from the world of acclaimed author, Charles Bukowski. Staring Matt Dillon, Lili Taylor and Marisa Tomei - seventeen ninety-nine plus tax - hell yeah.
Ten minutes into the movie, I remembered that I had read the book. The plot was little more than a series of short stories tied together by the fact that they all were part of the life of Bukowski. He had a flair for gutteral eloquence and a penchant for self destruction.
Dillon portrayed Bukowski perfectly. He had done his homework. He had studied his character. Lily Taylor was excellent, as usual. Tomei had only a small part.
"Factotum is a riveting exploration of art, escapism, poetry and life itself."
What matters most is how you walk through fire.
