Movie Review: Barney’s Version

Barney Panofsky has had three wives, no doubt in part due to his impulsive, blunt nature and excessive drinking. As he grows older he begins to relive the good and bad memories in each relationship. Barney drinks too much and can’t keep himself together, whether battling with his out of control first wife, ignoring his second wife or disappointing his faithful third wife. Barney’s version of his life is fully played out, leaving no stone unturned.

I always rent Giamatti films, I think he is a fascinating actor. Here he is excellent as a tortured soul who just can’t accept the good in life, instead causing much of his own misery. Giamatti and his fellow actors do credible work here. Rosamund Pike is especially effective as Barney’s third wife in a great performance. It’s always good to see one of my favorite actors, Dustin Hoffman, in action, he never disapoints. Hoffman’s real life son Jake Hoffman plays Barney’s son and does a good job, talented just like his actor father. The direction and mood of the film, the art direction and the costume showing decades of Barney’s life was well done. The part lacking in this movie for me was the script which seemed somewhat disjointed. Good story but the screenplay could have been truly great and produced a better movie overall.

Barney’s Version is watchable and enjoyable. I recommend this movie for Giamatti fans, it’s well worth watching.

2010. Directed by Richard J. Lewis. Starring Paul Giamatti, Rosamund Pike, Jake Hoffman, Minnie Driver, Rachelle Lefevre, Scott Speedman, Anna Hopkins, Bruce Greenwood and Macha Grenon.

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