La Versione di Barney
Directed by:
Richard J. LewisScreenplay:
Michael KonyvesCinematography:
Guy DufauxComposer:
Pasquale CatalanoCast:
Paul Giamatti, Paul Gross, Atom Egoyan, Mark Addy, Scott Speedman, Thomas Trabacchi, Clé Bennett, Rachelle Lefevre, Saul Rubinek, Minnie Driver, Dustin Hoffman (more)Plots(1)
Barney’s Version is a warm and witty story documenting the extraordinary life of seemingly ordinary Barney Panofsky, set across two continents and spans three decades. Take a flashback journey through the different stages of Barney’s unusual life. Barney’s Version begins in Rome where Barney meets and marries first wife Clara (Rachelle Lefevre) a fiery and flame-haired free spirit until he discovers her infidelity with one of his close friends. Encouraged by his father and close confidante (Dustin Hoffman), his second shot at marriage sees Barney wed a wealthy Jewish heiress (Minnie Driver) who barely notices him switch off whenever she talks. Ironically it is at their wedding Barney meets the third ‘Mrs’ P, Miriam (Rosamund Pike) who turns out to be his true love and mother to his two children. At times a true romantic, performing acts of gallantry, generosity and goodwill, often when he least expects it; other times acting jealous and wallowing in self pity, Barney certainly lives a packed life, making him an unlikely and captivating hero. An emotional, heartfelt comedy portraying the depths one will go to for love; sometimes getting it right, other times getting it wildly wrong, Barney’s Version is a must see. (Universal Pictures UK)
(more)Reviews (4)
A Jewish comedy full of Jewish themes, Jewish practices, and and different Jewish jokes from those that we, as non-Jews, are used to. It’s teeming with Pesachs, Sabbats, and god knows what else, and a number of well-known actors took part in the film. While it is a little incomprehensible to me, this movie will probably have its fans. I am not one of them, though. It was quite boring.
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Films that try to capture human life often fail to grasp and convey that which is essential, record life milestones, and capture the fateful decisions, successes, and failures of their protagonist. I think Barney's Version succeeded wonderfully thanks to the quality screenplay and above all Paul Giamatti, who managed to embody conviction and humanity in Barney. He evokes understanding where others would provoke outrage, he can move you without cheap sentiment and can make you laugh, and you tend to believe in his passion, naivety, pain, and uncertainty. It is my repeated encounter with Giamatti's character acting when I approvingly give a thumbs up. The film follows the romantic struggles of a man who has had three marriages, and two divorces, and briefly tried out the role of a widower. Amidst all the tumultuous events in his life, he is accompanied by a desire for a fateful great love and finding the ideal partner for a lifetime. The viewer meets Barney during his bohemian period and follows him to a bitter end filled with illness and loneliness. Nevertheless, it is ultimately a positive, optimistic work, which I give an overall impression of 85%.
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Since the days of Jim Carrey's films, Paul Giamatti has grown into a distinctive comedian whose films are not for everyone. But if you give it a chance, you'll encounter a deeply human story in the "life as it is" genre, with supporting roles graced by the talents of Rosamund Pike and Dustin Hoffman. And that's more than enough.
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Paul Giamatti once again fully showcased his acting talent and did a great job playing the character of Barney, who has some problems with women, with himself, and with life. The film constantly balances on the edge between comedy and drama, and it manages to remain convincingly strong throughout, culminating in a powerful ending.
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