Barney’s Version (2010)
Certified: 16
Duration: 132 minutes
Directed by: Richard J. Lewis
Starring: Paul Giamatti, Rosamund Pike, Minnie Driver, Rachelle Lefevre, Scott Speedman, Dustin Hoffman
KRS release
Barney’s Version is a classy adaptation of the novel by Canadian author Mordechai Richler. Director Richard J. Lewis, whose portfolio includes 33 episodes of CSI, successfully tackles the novel’s unusual structure. The film features a brilliant performance by Paul Giamatti who has an unlikable character but manages to bring the crowd on his side. In fact, this role brought him a Golden Globe nomination.
Adopting a memoir style, the film follows Barney Panofsky as he recounts episodes of his tumultuous life. The film sees the protagonist (Paul Giamatti) in his first marriage to the more-than-slightly mad Clara (Rachelle Lefevre); this marriage does not last long.
On his return to Montreal, Barney makes his father (Dustin Hoffman) very happy when he proposes to a rich but also hugely irritating Jewish-American (Minnie Driver). However, this is another very short-lived marriage as Barney does not even make it through the wedding night. He flees and starts following the sweet and beautiful Miriam (Rosamund Pike).
Barney’s courtship is relentless and finally Miriam surrenders and becomes the third Mrs Panofsky. Meanwhile, Barney’s best friend Boogie (Scott Speedman) meets a mysterious end.
It seems that Barney is finally happy but trouble arises again when Miriam, who had put her career on hold, returns to work on radio and Barney does not approve of her handsome colleague (Bruce Greenwood).
This is Barney’s version of his life as opposed to the book that was written about him which was not to his liking at all and not anywhere near the truth.
The character of Barney Panofsky is not an easy one to like. However, the love that he shows for Miriam and as presented by Mr Giamatti, is impressive. His character has dark edges to him as he is boorish and full of himself. He is witty, abrasive and arrogant. There is also a tender side to the character and Mr Giamatti explores this well.
It is very hard to find another big-hearted yet bloated cinematic character that is to an audience’s liking. This has always been Mr Giamatti’s talent. Like he did in the excellent HBO production John Adams, he transforms a caddish character into a likable one.
Ms Driver does what is requested of her – she is shrill and deliberately grating to the audience’s nerves. Ms Pike balances out Mr Giamatti’s performance. She is quietly radiant and intelligent, making us wonder how she can be attracted to Barney. Mr Hoffman is charming as Barney’s dad and ex-cop; his outlook on life is unique.
The film is an ode to the joy of life and love. It is as much about Barney’s version of his life as much as it is about his vision of life and the world.