'Factotum' has an absurdist, almost whimsical touch

"Factotum" follows the booze-soaked low-life adventures — if you can call them that — of Henry Chinaski (Matt Dillon), aka the fictional alter-ego of gutter-romantic writer Charles Bukowski.

Henry's true calling is that of barfly extraordinaire, with a little womanizing and writing on the side. But that doesn't pay the rent, so he finds himself cruising through — and getting fired from — a steady stream of menial jobs. Pickle factory employee. Statue cleaner. Taxi driver. Brake shoe sorter.

IFC Films 'Factotum' B The verdict: >An offbeat, likable film about a deadbeat, likable loser. Director: Bent Hamer Starring: Matt Dillon, Marisa Tomei, Lili Taylor, Didier Flamand, Karen Young Run time: 94 minutes Release date: August 18, 2006 Rating: R for language and sexual content. See showtimes On the web Official movie site Rate 'Factotum'   Go see it   Make it a matinee   Wait to rent   Don't bother Voter Limit: Once per Hour View Poll Results

He is, as the title indicates, a jack of all trades and master of none. Except drinking.

Bukowski and his works have already been the subject of several films, most notably the lacerating "Barfly," with Mickey Rourke, and the downbeat "Tales of Ordinary Madness," starring Ben Gazzara. "Factotum" is the quirkiest, least pessimistic of the three — though no one's calling it a feel-good movie.

Norwegian director Bent Hamer, whose "Kitchen Stories" was a marvel of deadpan humor and economy, gives the movie an inspired absurdist, almost whimsical touch that cuts through the overly familiar fumes of Bukowski's I'm-so-hip hungover strutting. At times, the picture recalls Jim Jarmusch at his very best, with all the self-indulgent parts cut out.

Continuing the career comeback that started with his Oscar-nominated performance in "Crash," Dillon gives Henry a kind of happy-hour dignity and calm that every once in a while bursts forth into ugly, unexpected violence. Like when he smashes girlfriend Lili Taylor in the mouth, knocking her off her bar stool.

Taylor and Marisa Tomei, as another of Henry's drinking budddies/bedmates, complement Dillon's gutter panache with their own beautifully observed blurry-eyed, take-it-as-it-comes portrayals. But even drunks have their druthers. After a winning streak at the track, Henry buys some new clothes and starts behaving a little less down-and-dirty. Much to Taylor's distress. Giving him the once-over, she slurs disapprovingly, "You act like you're dental student."

In the world according to Bukowski, that's just not a nice thing to say.