This drama centers on Hank Chinaski, the fictional alter-ego of "Factotum" author Charles Bukowski, who wanders around Los Angeles, CA trying to live off jobs which don't interfere with his primary interest, which is writing. Along the way, he fends off the distractions offered by women, drinking and gambling.

Matt Dillon
as Henry Chinaski

Lili Taylor
as Jan

Marisa Tomei
as Laura

Fisher Stevens
as Manny

Didier Flamand
as Pierre

Adrienne Shelly
as Jerry

Karen Young
as Grace

Thomas Lyons
as Tony Endicott

Dean Brewington
as Old Black Man

James Cada
as Bald Man