Barney's Version (2011)

Featured Audience Ratings

• Josh M

  
  Barney's Version is an enjoyable and amusing disappointment, particularly for ex-Montrealers and those fans of the Richler book like me. The individual performances are mostly excellent, but the sum of its parts is a big letdown. I quarrel with director Lewis's throwing… More
  Barney's Version is an enjoyable and amusing disappointment, particularly for ex-Montrealers and those fans of the Richler book like me. The individual performances are mostly excellent, but the sum of its parts is a big letdown. I quarrel with director Lewis's throwing out of the non-linear structure of the book for a more banal approach. In the book, Richler brilliantly starts with Barney trying to write a memoir to tell his side of a story before he loses his marbles. The thing he is mainly trying to correct is the perception that he killed his best friend Boogie. In this movie 'version', the events are mostly chronological, (it does jump around a little bit in time) and Boogie (Scott Speedman) quickly dies in the middle and Barney gets Alzheimer's at the end. Hence, there is less interest in finding out the truth. Without that, I'm not even sure what the point of this movie is. Further, Paul Giamatti, a sensitive and soulful schlep, who gives terrific perfomances in almost all his films, (see my review of Win Win) seems to be unable to hit the right note as this character. Paul does not have the charisma to make us believe that this guy could get three stunningly beautiful women to marry him, and get away with his bad behavior towards them all. In the film he is grumpy, self aborbed and distant, without the redeeming quality of wit. If he is meant to stand in for author Richler, he is neither as charismatic nor as sexy and funny as the man himself. I know, I saw RIchler read numerous times. Dustin Hoffman gives a delightful performance as Barney's vulgar Borscht belt ex-cop dad, and Rosamunde :Pike is luminous as the love of Barney's life, Miriam, who he loses at the end, after meeting her at a wedding ceremony for his unnamed Jewish Canadian Princess wife (Minnie Driver, passably amusing). Also in the film's favour, the forty year aging process for Giamatti and :Pike, both from an acting and makeup point of view is very effective. And Pike is barely 30! Also on the plus side, the film is a love letter to Montreal, and it looks great in all its locations. The Roman scenes are nice, too, even though these scenes in the book were set in London. That didn't bother me. Apparently Richler is a huge seller in Italy. It's a bit like an OK Woody Allen comedy with far fewer laughs. Barney's Version is worth a look for Richler fans, but the movie version of 'The Apprenticeship of Duddy Kravitz' is still the best film 'version' of his work.

• Raymond W

  
  The whole film is filled with impeccable performances but Paul Giamatti, Rosamund Pike and Dustin Hoffman really stand out. Barney's Version may move a little slow for some, but it's comedy and drama, and insight into modern romance make for a great story by Mordecai… More
  The whole film is filled with impeccable performances but Paul Giamatti, Rosamund Pike and Dustin Hoffman really stand out. Barney's Version may move a little slow for some, but it's comedy and drama, and insight into modern romance make for a great story by Mordecai Richler, even if it's a little confusing in places and hard to watch.

• Stuart B

  
  At best it's ok. It is not as bad as it's cinema take would make you believe, but likewise it is not as good as some of the review would have you think. It passes a few hours but at no point did I really feel gripped, or even more than mildly interested.

• Michael S

  
  A bold character study, spanning 30 years in the life of Barney Panofsky (Giamatti); a man who seems to wear his imperfections on his sleeve. It's because of his flaws that we the audience can relate to him so well. It's because of his flaws that he is such a completely… More
  A bold character study, spanning 30 years in the life of Barney Panofsky (Giamatti); a man who seems to wear his imperfections on his sleeve. It's because of his flaws that we the audience can relate to him so well. It's because of his flaws that he is such a completely intriguing character in such a rewarding and accomplished film. Paul Giamatti is brilliant in one of his finest performances. The film; equally brilliant.

• Jay H

  
  Sometimes solemn and somber, sometimes witty and charming, "Barney's Version" is a reflective, thoughtful film about life and love. Paul Giamatti is outstanding in the title role, leading us through the believable, yet fictional, life of Barney Panofsky. The film,… More
  Sometimes solemn and somber, sometimes witty and charming, "Barney's Version" is a reflective, thoughtful film about life and love. Paul Giamatti is outstanding in the title role, leading us through the believable, yet fictional, life of Barney Panofsky. The film, however, though wholly watchable, tip-toes around a few story arcs, leaving the viewer confused in some ways. Nevertheless, the film is a solid addition to the biographical film genre.

• Fernando Rafael Q

  
  There's enough material ripe with drama, and even more of it is evidently aimed at getting laughs, but the switch between genres is violent and renders Barney's Version a complete tonal misfire. Besides, the characters in the film are pretty much impossible to empathize… More
  There's enough material ripe with drama, and even more of it is evidently aimed at getting laughs, but the switch between genres is violent and renders Barney's Version a complete tonal misfire. Besides, the characters in the film are pretty much impossible to empathize with: deeply flawed and with hardly any redeeming qualities, not to mention underdeveloped. The film revolves around a stunning performance by Paul Giamatti, which is aided by extraordinary (and most importantly, convincing) makeup by Adrien Morot and supported by an appealing cast that includes Rosamund Pike, Dustin Hoffman, Scott Speedman, Rachelle Lefevre and Minnie Driver.

• Lewis C

  
  "Have I ever given up, when it comes to you?" The life, loves, and memories of a very flawed man. Giamatti is great as always and it's always nice to see Minnie Driver and Rosamund Pike in solid roles, but the movie as a whole was a mixture of very average and very… More
  "Have I ever given up, when it comes to you?" The life, loves, and memories of a very flawed man. Giamatti is great as always and it's always nice to see Minnie Driver and Rosamund Pike in solid roles, but the movie as a whole was a mixture of very average and very good. Worth seeing once for almost everyone, but probably not twice for me.

• Zack B

  
  [short DVD review] Giamatti slowly unravels an incredible performance, but unfortunately this character study sets up more dominoes than it can knock over, particularly a murder plot framing device we just don't care about. And what happened to Paul Gross's scenes?

• ♥˩ƳИИ &

  
  Cast: Paul Giamatti, Rosamund Pike, Minnie Driver, Scott Speedman, Dustin Hoffman, Jake Hoffman, Mark Addy, Saul Rubinek, Rachelle Lefevre, Bruce Greenwood Director: Richard J. Lewis Summary: Paul Giamatti stars as Barney Panofsky, a Jewish Canadian television producer who… More
  Cast: Paul Giamatti, Rosamund Pike, Minnie Driver, Scott Speedman, Dustin Hoffman, Jake Hoffman, Mark Addy, Saul Rubinek, Rachelle Lefevre, Bruce Greenwood Director: Richard J. Lewis Summary: Paul Giamatti stars as Barney Panofsky, a Jewish Canadian television producer who reflects in flashbacks on three strange decades -- and three wives -- in this adaptation of Mordecai Richler's acclaimed novel. There's Clara (Rachelle Lefevre), a free-spirited proponent of free love; "Mrs. P" (Minnie Driver), a self-centered princess; and Miriam (Rosamund Pike), the right woman who comes along at the wrong time. My Thoughts: "What a great story-telling movie. The past and present scenes where done so well. I never got confused as the story went on. I really enjoyed how it played out. A great love story of loss, laughter, murder, heart break, and everything else wrapped up in one film. There is so much going on in the film, but it is brilliantly done and it all flows really well. Paul Giamatti, he's a favorite of mine. He can do it all and is amazing in his role. Dustin Hoffman was so much fun as Izzy Panofsky. He was great as Barney's father. Really liked him in the film. All the supporting actor's did a wonderful job in the movie. I absolutely recommend this one to all."

• Lorenzo v

  
  <i>"For the first time in my life, I am truly in love."</i> The picaresque and touching story of the politically incorrect, fully lived life of the impulsive, irascible and fearlessly blunt Barney Panofsky. <center><font size=+2 face="Century… More
  <i>"For the first time in my life, I am truly in love."</i> The picaresque and touching story of the politically incorrect, fully lived life of the impulsive, irascible and fearlessly blunt Barney Panofsky. <center><font size=+2 face="Century Schoolbook"><b><u>REVIEW</u></b></font></center> Giamatti has always given impressive performances. Since he's one of those actors who doesn't quite fit the Hollywood mold of a star, it's not hard to focus on the performance, rather than the familiar look of a star or someone's identity. Seeing a regular guy allows us to identify with the character, with his story, his emotions; in other words, we care. The movie details the experiences of Barney throughout three of his marriages, particularly the last one. Wonderfully played by Rosamund Pike, here is the perfect partner for Barney, a rather imperfect human being, who hasn't found his life partner. It's not easy to like him since he's prone to go overboard with his drinking, he loves his cigars, and he can be a bit too honest at times. However, there is something likable about him, and all this becomes obvious to Miriam, a woman who someone manages to see the good in him and manages to bring some peace into his life. Eventually, the film reaches his moving conclusion, with Barney's flaws threatening to sabotage the relationship between him and Miriam. The last third of the film highlights the strengths and weaknesses in their relationship, and how the outcome is decided by nature. There are some very tender and moving moments in the final scenes of the movie, with both Giamatti and Pike doing extraordinary work. We have seen similar situations in movies before, yet it's the way these actors convey the bond between these two people that makes the film work. When I went in, I expected an amusing mystery/comedy, in the end "Barney's version" was touching look into the lives of people just like us.

• Cynthia S

  
  A wonderful, well written film that I found very captivating...even though it was rather lengthy. Paul Giamatti really excells here, and apparently won a Golden Globe for this. I can see why. The rest of the cast was also outstanding.

• Emile T

  
  Watch it for the phenomenal performance from Paul Giamatti and the incredible story that he and his great supporting cast bring to life in this film.

• Shawn E

  
  A good progressive drama with a decent story told in bits and pieces. There is a lot to like about this film even if the story does not come together as strongly as it could. The mix of romance, comedy, and tragedy really help communicate the preciousness of life and all it's… More
  A good progressive drama with a decent story told in bits and pieces. There is a lot to like about this film even if the story does not come together as strongly as it could. The mix of romance, comedy, and tragedy really help communicate the preciousness of life and all it's little things. Paul Giamatti is absolutely wonderful and brings quality emotion to his complex character. Try not to let this unnoticed film go without watching, it's quite charming.

• c0up  

  
  'Barney's Version'. Dark, flawed, funny, charming and endearing. One man's recollections of the past, filled with humour, happiness and tragedy, brought wonderfully to the screen by Giamatti, who deserved that Oscar as much as Firth. The rest of the cast is… More
  'Barney's Version'. Dark, flawed, funny, charming and endearing. One man's recollections of the past, filled with humour, happiness and tragedy, brought wonderfully to the screen by Giamatti, who deserved that Oscar as much as Firth. The rest of the cast is equally brilliant, including a scene-stealing Dustin Hoffman. A fantastic film!

• Tim S

  
  Paul Giamatti is proving to be one of the most consistent, yet still underrated actors of our time. His performance is this otherwise ho-hum film proves that yet again. Along with Rosamund Pike, Minnie Driver, and Dustin Hoffman, this sometimes jumpy to the point of confusing film is… More
  Paul Giamatti is proving to be one of the most consistent, yet still underrated actors of our time. His performance is this otherwise ho-hum film proves that yet again. Along with Rosamund Pike, Minnie Driver, and Dustin Hoffman, this sometimes jumpy to the point of confusing film is saved by the actors involved and Giamatti anchors all of it, giving one of the most d-bag of film characters a humanistic slant that few actors can pull off. Though dragging a lot, the film does have some great lines and some really touching scenes. Good, but I don't think I will ever see this film again.

• Greg S

  
  We meet Barney as a sarcastic, hard drinking middle-aged soap opera producer who (another character tells us) has gotten away with murder; flashbacks encompassing his three past marriages give us a fuller portrait of a flawed man. Paul Giamatti's performance is great, but it… More
  We meet Barney as a sarcastic, hard drinking middle-aged soap opera producer who (another character tells us) has gotten away with murder; flashbacks encompassing his three past marriages give us a fuller portrait of a flawed man. Paul Giamatti's performance is great, but it turns out that two hours is a bit too long to spend with Barney, especially when we reach his final days and he becomes a pathetic old man rather than a lovable scamp.

• danny d

  
  drama, tragedy, comedy, rather than one genre being predominant, the film focuses equally on all three, and thats part of its brilliance. one of the best films of 2010, featuring some of the most intelligently written comedy in years. dustin hoffman steals every scene he's in,… More
  drama, tragedy, comedy, rather than one genre being predominant, the film focuses equally on all three, and thats part of its brilliance. one of the best films of 2010, featuring some of the most intelligently written comedy in years. dustin hoffman steals every scene he's in, which is tough to do, because giamatti is so good in this film that its a travesty that he wasnt nominated for an oscar. despite its already long running length, this is a film that would have been even better had it given us 20 more minutes to flesh out a few ideas. overall, excellent.

• moon r

  
  Purportedly about the comic romantic misadventures of a real mensch this work in fact finds its real legs as a father/son consideration. Giamatti and Hoffman's scenes together are essentially the only reason to see this. Or, I should say, they're the only scenes worth… More
  Purportedly about the comic romantic misadventures of a real mensch this work in fact finds its real legs as a father/son consideration. Giamatti and Hoffman's scenes together are essentially the only reason to see this. Or, I should say, they're the only scenes worth seeing.

• Aaron N

  
  Barney: Have I ever given up, when it comes to you? Miriam: Never. Barney: So what makes you think I'm gonna start now? Barney's Version is a comedic drama, based on a very popular and prize winning Canadian novel, by Mordecai Richler. The film stars Paul Giamatti in a… More
  Barney: Have I ever given up, when it comes to you? Miriam: Never. Barney: So what makes you think I'm gonna start now? Barney's Version is a comedic drama, based on a very popular and prize winning Canadian novel, by Mordecai Richler. The film stars Paul Giamatti in a fantastic performance as a man who has led an interesting life, which we follow through several decades. The film boasts a solid supporting cast as well and manages to be a very entertaining picture throughout, as we see Giamatti's character deal with the challenges he has faced, mainly involving his multiple marriages. While I could pick more of this film apart, based on what I have heard about the structure of the novel, the fact is that I really enjoyed watching this film, and it is on that merit that I would easily praise what it has to offer. Giamatti stars as Barney Panofsky, a Canadian Jew, much angrier than the average Canadian. The film begins with Barney, alone in his home, smoking cigars, drinking whiskey, and prank-calling the husband of his ex-wife. We soon learn that Barney has done very well professionally, by serving as a producer to a hokey Canadian soap opera, O'Malley of the North, but seems to only be close with his daughter. The film then settles into a mode of taking us through various chapters in Barney's life, from the 70s onward. It is during this period that Barney met his three wives. Barney's first wife, Clara (Rachel Lafevre), came about due to the fact that he got her pregnant during a stay with his buddies in Rome. His second wife, played by Minnie Driver, is a Jewish American princess, who is certainly a looker, but was really only a matter of convenience. The third wife, and most important to Barney, is Miriam (Rosamund Pike), who Barney actually meets at his second marriage and falls head over heels in love with instantly. Barney: I'm divorced. Miriam: Is the ink even dry yet? Barney: Let me check. Amid these supposed "loves of Barney's life", various friends and family of factor into the story of Barney's life as well. Among them include Boogie, played by Scott Speedman, an accomplished writer who is also a drug addict. Despite this however, he always seems to have Barney's back, as he proclaims, "I'll always come to your weddings." The other important figure is Barney's father, Izzy (Dustin Hoffman), a retired cop who shares a very warm relationship with his son. Along with the various romantic entanglements that Barney gets himself into, Barney reflects on other aspects of his life as well, such as those relationships with Boogie and Izzy, along with a certain unsolved mystery. What I enjoyed the most in this movie is Paul Giamatti. Dustin Hoffman is a very close second and I will talk about him soon, but Giamatti is absolutely great in this role. This character matches up with all of the talents that Giamatti is able to excel at for this type of character. He is humorous but sharp and blunt; a likable character, while also mean in ways. Seeing this character through a good thirty years of his life certainly paints a picture that Giamatti has a wonderful hand in creating. I have felt for a while now that Giamatti has somehow straddled the line as a very successful actor, but yet very underrated. While very good in wider known films such as Sideways and Cinderella Man, and the acclaimed HBO miniseries John Adams, he has knocked out a lot of performances in smaller films such as American Splendor (rent it) and 2010's vastly underseen Cold Souls (rent that too). While this year may be very crowded with other great performances as well, I can only hope that his work here won't go unacknowledged. As far as the supporting characters go, Dustin Hoffman is easily the highlight. Playing a role that is actually much more subdued than some of his recent performances (almost making me forget that he was brought in for re-shoots on Little Fockers to spice up that "comedy"), Hoffman is great in this role and a perfect fit for being the father to Barney. He is warm, funny, caring, and also hilariously inappropriate at times. He also has the best conversations with Barney in this film. Also good is Speedman as Boogie. Not an actor I have been watching much, but he is very likable here. Then you have the women, and while Pike is the most important, I honestly enjoyed Minnie Driver the most as Barney's second wife (who goes nameless in this film). She brings the right kind of comedic touches to what is required of her character. As I have not read the popular novel that this film is based on, my criticism only stems from after the fact, now knowing how that book is structured. The narrative in the novel has a much more intriguing setup, which is not present in this film. Now, I cannot deride a film based on this fact, and I actually have much praise for screenwriter Michael Konyves, who found a way to strip what is a long and involved story down to more of its essentials. This creates a film that clocks in at just over two hours, as opposed to a much longer version, and feels just right by the end in terms of its pacing. That being said, there are elements that falter the film only slightly for me. It does meander a bit and the film heavily features times when Barney is at his worst (he is a hard drinking, hard smoking, hockey fanatic), as opposed to doing more justice to some of the big, bright moments during his lifetime. The balance does feel a bit off, but I am so enthusiastic about some of these performances that it does not really matter that much. Barney's Version is a very fine film. Paul Giamatti and Dustin Hoffman do great work here. While it goes through many of the same notions that many films like these have, as it is simply about life, it does it well. It is a well assembled picture, flows nicely throughout, has a lot of funny moments, as well as some well handled dramatic points. It is not opening to a large number of theaters, but if you see it around, try and catch it. Miriam: How can I trust you? Barney: I would do anything for you, Miriam. Miriam: Don't answer "anything". Life's real. It's made up of little things; minutes, hours, naps, errands, routine, and it has to be enough.

• Mark A

  
  This viewer struggled with conflicting emotions as this story unfolded. Barney's (Paul Giamatti) life is a mess, largely because of his own inability to make sound decisions, but his character still manages to evoke sympathy. There were some lighter moments, but the overall tone… More
  This viewer struggled with conflicting emotions as this story unfolded. Barney's (Paul Giamatti) life is a mess, largely because of his own inability to make sound decisions, but his character still manages to evoke sympathy. There were some lighter moments, but the overall tone of the film seems rather heavy, even for a dark comedy. There is an overarching mystery brought about by the disappearance of one of his close friends midway through the film that is not resolved until the very end. There is the mistake that cost him the love of his life. And there is a development in the last reel that was foreshadowed at several points , but that still left the viewer feeling hollow. And there is the masterful performance of one Paul Giamatti, which anchors the film and makes it the brilliant film this viewer found it to be. The supporting cast is terrific. The scenery is superb and the way the story unfolds proved a brilliant choice by the director and the screenwriter.

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