Barton Fink

Barton Fink is one of my favorite movies. The 1991 Coen Brothers film tells the strange story of a screenwriter who is holed up in a seedy Hollywood hotel in the early 1940's. He develops writer's block and bizarre hilarity ensues. I wanted to capture the art deco film noir quality of the movie but in a more updated not-so-dark way.

Of course I needed to somehow incorporate a typewriter into the room. Since it's a bedroom I thought an actual typewriter would seem somewhat out of place. Instead I found a print that contained an old-fashioned typewriter and an ocean in the background. This essentially killed two birds with one stone because another plot point in the movie involves a painting of a woman sitting on a beach looking out at the ocean. I also added some "bathing beauties" figurines to capture that aspect of the film.

The bedding presented a challenge for me. It's yellow in the movie but it's also dingy and altogether undesirable. I didn't want something too BRIGHT and cheerful (as most yellow bedding tends to be) but I didn't want something drab and blah either. I think the quilt I chose is a happy medium.

Which leads me to the ever-present wallpaper. I'm normally not a fan of wallpaper but I had to include it as the wallpaper that wouldn't stay put is another big part of the film. The wallpaper I chose is nice because it's pattern isn't too overwhelming. How many times can I say wallpaper?

Resources:

Porto Metal Bed ($549- Queen) from Crate and Barrel
Writing of Waves- Signed Fine Art Photograph 8x8 ($35) from Etsy
Frame - Black 8x8 ($29.99) from Target
Bathing Beauties ($65) from Ballard Designs
San Marino Quilt by Nautica ($99.99 - Queen) from Bed Bath & Beyond
Hand-tufted Masquerade Wool Rug ($469.99 - 8 x 11) from Overstock
Feature Comforts 12" Table Fan ($59.97) from Lowe's
Revelle 6-drawer Chest ($449.99) from Overstock
Clam Shell Alarm Clock ($30) from Design Within Reach
Hayworth Nightstand ($199.95) from Pier 1 Imports
Hamilton Floor Lamp ($199) from Pottery Barn