Chimney sweep and chalk fellatist?

The man is right; I don't know him.
But man could he sing.

Enough with the valed attempts at humor.

Possibly tipped off by Oprah's memo brainstorming the show's title:

Alleging "too much focus" is exactly why I'd say you're quibbling. Again, I was quick to clarify that the studio system is (of course) not the primary focus, but an important mechanical element as well as perfectly contrasting Fink's lofty artistic aspirations with the cynically low expectations set for system-era B…

Alleging "too much focus" is exactly why I'd say you're quibbling. Again, I was quick to clarify that the studio system is (of course) not the primary focus, but an important mechanical element as well as contrasting Fink's lofty artistic aspirations with the cynically low expectations set for system-era B pictures.

Not upset but admittedly befuddled by what I can only see as reductionist and ultimately pointless quibbling on your part. The post that triggered your first reply was: “Fink was all about the mediocre crap churned out by the studio system.” Nobody would dispute that the film is primarily about its title character. I…

Even better was a moment later, after Joan's entrance, when the camera came back to them, and Ken stood in the background staring down, at last realizing his perfectly cycloptic reference.

Don uttering that he worries about "never doing anything, never having anyone" is the I think perhaps the most soul-bearing thing he's ever said, and I can't imagine any other character to whom he would admit such deep existential fear, even Sally. To me, the growing vulnerability between these otherwise guarded,…

Yes, even better resemblance, though that would be giving it to another Brit rather that reclaiming it from Bob Hoskins…

You're starting to sound like an MBA student…so to review:
-The film is only about Fink being an arrogant asshole.
-The 40s studio system is not a satirical target or key to the plot.
-If Fink was hired to do hack work he should just get the job done like a professional.
-Lipnick rules!
Thanks for these insights.

Try the link above as you’re still missing my point. Fink's contract of $1,000 a week is another reference to the studio system. A modern screenwriter, whether freelance or agency-represented, isn't salaried or paid by a studio until he delivers a satisfactory product. Fink is in "purgatory" rather than out on his ass…

Agreed—like I said, "Capital Pictures" is cynically self-aware. But again, the film emphasizes how writers and actors are under long-term contract such that Fink stays under their yoke even after failing and an A-lister like Beery is obligated to make such pap as a B wrestling picture in the first place.

It's about both, not either/or. Yes, Fink is an un-self-aware mediocre writer with populist pretensions cluelessly plying his trade, but within a monopolized machine that's very cynically cranking out mindless "B" pictures. The premise's humor is derived from both the writer and the machine producing crap, but the…

Fink was all about the mediocre crap churned out by the studio system; the Coens still have all the post-system varieties of rot to explore.

Mannix looked more like Gandolfini in Man Who Wasn't There — a smarmy pie-faced SOB. Actually, Gandolfini would have been perfect for this role.
http://www.newyorksocialdia…

Read too many puns and you'll develop lockjaw and night vision.

You don't need "with," as forgo is a transitive verb…and…
I don't need your fuckin' puns, man; I need my fuckin' Johnson!

I'd have said Ginsburg, but now…1. Stan 2. Harry 3. Ted

Hell, she could start appearing on Fox tomorrow and nobody in the nursing homes would notice it was a different blonde shrew:
"I mean, if they learned how to support their country, sacrifice in hard times, we’d have the morale to win the war!"