Paul Giamatti and Dustin Hoffman in "Barney's Version" Photo Credit: Sony Pictures

“Barney” Will Touch Your Heart

We’ve all met a character like Barney: a hard drinking, inconsiderate, cigar smoker with little to no tact. Then we meet his wife, who’s cut from a different cloth, and begin to wonder, “What on earth does she see in him?” “Barney’s Version” reminds us that appearances aren’t always what they seem.

“Barney’s Version,” based on the novel by Mordecai Richler, is directed by Richard J. Lewis, and stars Paul Giamatti as Barney Panofsky. Giamatti, who has received critical acclaim for roles in such movies as “Cinderella Man” (2006) and “Sideways” (2004), won an Emmy Award® in 2008 for the lead role in the HBO mini-series “John Adams.” Again, he has proved himself as extraordinary at his craft having already picked up a Golden Globe for his role in this film.

As the title indicates, Barney’s memories are woven together in flashback form to tell the story of his adult life, the focus being his three marriages, primarily his third. He meets Miriam (Rosamund Pike, “An Education” 2009 and “Pride and Prejudice” 2005) at the wedding reception of his marriage to the second ‘Mrs. P’ (Minnie Driver, “Good Will Hunting” 1997). Suffering from an extreme case of love at first sight, Barney’s softer, romantic side is spotlighted, making him a bit more endearing to the audience.

Although romance is front and center, it’s not the only driver of the plot. It also involves a little mystery, an unsolved missing persons case in which Barney is highly suspect. As the film begins years later, Barney’s memories are triggered when the investigating detective publishes a book about the case. By the time the film draws to an end, we become privy to additional layers of Barney’s character, making him all the more interesting. Perhaps Barney’s first wife, Clara (Rachelle Lefevre of “New Moon” 2009 and “Casino Jack” 2010) had more influence than realized when she said, “You really do wear your heart on your sleeve. Now put it away − it’s disgusting.”

Barney’s father is played by two-time Academy Award® winner Dustin Hoffman. Hoffman is a wise choice to play Izzy, a retired police officer and one of the few stable relationships enjoyed by Barney. The other constant, his best friend, Boogie (Scott Speedman, “The Strangers” 2008), although not always around, promises to never miss any of Barney’s weddings.

The cast as a whole is well chosen and very capable. Perhaps it is merely because the script gives him so much opportunity, but Giamatti is the one who rises to the top. It’s a shame that Driver didn’t have more screen time; her performance is delightful in every way.

Although the film is marketed as a comedy, it’s really more of a drama with comedic elements. As it progresses, so does it’s serious nature. This is not a criticism, it works very well, but don’t go to the theater expecting to walk away with tears of laughter. The film is a little long with a run time of 132 minutes, but the minutes are well spent. When I set out to write this review, I had decided to give it 3 stars, but “Barney’s Version” is one of those movies that, the more you reflect on it, the more there is to like. Therefore, I bumped it up a notch.

My biggest regret with this film has nothing to do with the film, but the fact that I have not read the book. If this adaptation is like most character driven stories, the book is likely a cut above the film, and I would be curious to talk with someone who has read the book. Perhaps I will read it myself.

Written by Tyna S. Cline©