Barfly (1987): review: 6/10

A dissolute writer engages in fist-fights and drinks heavily in the bars he frequents in LA. He meets a woman and moves in with her: they drink a lot and hang about bars.

The film begins very slowly but later picks up thanks to Faye Dunaway's charm.

It can be compared to "Factotum": both feature Charles Bukowski's alter ego, Henry Chinaski, and the plotlines are fairly similiar.

However, "Factotum" is more beautifully filmed, showing considerable sensitivity to urban locations and interiors. Moreover, the plot of "Factotum" is much more varied, and Dillon's acting is subtler: heis more convincing as a successful writer than Rourke.

Planes, Trains and Automobiles (1987): 7/10

A businessman tries to get from New York to Chicago for Thanksgiving, but suffers many setbacks. Along the way, he meets a salesman.

A good-natured film folding round the contrast between two personality types- the anxious and striving A-type, and the laid back b-type- with strong central performances and an honest take on modern travel.

Castaway (1987): review- 7.5/10

Oliver Reed is denies sex by his female companion on a desert island and becomes incredibly cross.

A very amusing sketch of Englishness and sexuality.