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Amazon.co.uk Review
The publication of a book accusing him of murder leads schlock television producer Barney Panofsky (Paul Giamatti) to reflect on his tumultuous life--from his troubled first marriage to his best friend sleeping with his second wife to his one true love… and how he destroyed the happiest time in his life. By turns comic and self-lacerating, Panofsky is a richly drawn character given vivid life by Giamatti, who's built a remarkable career on prickly people (Sideways, American Splendor, John Adams). Regrettably, the women in his life aren't as fully realized, but the strong performances from the actresses playing them (Rachelle Lefevre, Minnie Driver, and Rosamund Pike) do a lot to make up for the thinness of how they're written. Rounding out the cast is Dustin Hoffman as Panofsky's father, a crude but vigorous ex-cop who loves his son unreservedly. Adapted from an award-winning Canadian book, Barney's Version feels, in the best sense, like a novel; small details and incidents build up to the picture of a man's life. The movie depicts that life without judgment, never manipulating the audience for cheap laughs or sentiment--and yet it is by turns wildly funny and achingly sad, largely due to Giamatti. He holds the viewer's attention effortlessly, quietly, never showboating his emotions or flaunting his intelligence. He's simply a superb actor, and this is a superb performance. --Bret Fetzer
DVD Description
Academy Award® nominated Barney’s Version is a warm and witty story documenting the extraordinary life of seemingly ordinary Barney Panofsky. With a stellar cast including a Golden Globe® winning performance from Paul Giamatti as Barney (Sideways, Cinderella Man), Dustin Hoffman (Meet The Fockers, I Heart Huckabees), Minnie Driver (The the Phantom of The Opera, Good Will Hunting) and Rosamund Pike (Made in Dagenham, An Education), Barney’s Version is 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; New Moon, Twilight) 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 (Hoffman), his second shot at marriage sees Barney wed a wealthy Jewish heiress (Driver) who barely notices him switch off whenever she talks. Ironically it is at their wedding Barney meets the third ‘Mrs’ P, Miriam (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.
Barney’s Version begins in Rome where Barney meets and marries first wife Clara (Rachelle Lefevre; New Moon, Twilight) 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 (Hoffman), his second shot at marriage sees Barney wed a wealthy Jewish heiress (Driver) who barely notices him switch off whenever she talks. Ironically it is at their wedding Barney meets the third ‘Mrs’ P, Miriam (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.
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Most Helpful Customer Reviews
4 of 4 people found the following review helpful
Amazon Verified Purchase
Barney Panofsky is a financially successful, chubby, cigar-puffing drunkard. He also happens to be a true romantic, dedicated father and husband. Paul Giamatti applies his trademark soulful nuance and facial artistry to glorious effect and superior performances are given all around: Rosamund Pike as Miriam is pure elegance. Scott Speedman's charming, addict artist "Boogie" steals several scenes and Dustin Hoffman plays the dad, Izzy Panofsky, like a mensch, of course. Blonde beauty Rachel Lefevere gives a short & sweet contribution and Minnie Driver nails her rich Jewish girl accent.
The mood morphs from fairly light-hearted early on to deeply moving bummer-ville towards the end but, thankfully, it's an uplifting, meaningful despair. Oscar or not, BARNEY'S VERSION is an all-time gem and ultimate cinematic commiseration
The mood morphs from fairly light-hearted early on to deeply moving bummer-ville towards the end but, thankfully, it's an uplifting, meaningful despair. Oscar or not, BARNEY'S VERSION is an all-time gem and ultimate cinematic commiseration
I didn't think such films were being made any more. A broad sweeping, personal and ultimately very watchable portrait of a man's life in all it's triumph and tragedy, taking place over a number of decades. It's full of humour, humanity, tenderness, conflict and love with some fine acting including a very memorable and enjoyable performance from Dustin Hoffman.
I knew nothing of it when i started watching and didn't know what to expect, maybe a one man 'Sideways' of sorts. But this is something grander and more ambitious in the fact it covers a lot of ground over many years and still finds time to explore and express plenty of depth and character. It's hard to do this kind of film well but it achieves it's aims comfortably with grace and spark.
Thank god they still make films for adults.
I knew nothing of it when i started watching and didn't know what to expect, maybe a one man 'Sideways' of sorts. But this is something grander and more ambitious in the fact it covers a lot of ground over many years and still finds time to explore and express plenty of depth and character. It's hard to do this kind of film well but it achieves it's aims comfortably with grace and spark.
Thank god they still make films for adults.
5 of 7 people found the following review helpful
One of the best kooky indie dramas I've seen in ages. Similar to 'City Island' and '500 Days of Summer' but more grown up. A tragic film starring Paul Giamatti as the title character who rightly deserved his Golden Globe 2011 award for his role in this film. It's a not so typical 'dramedy' with unexpected shocking moments popping out at you and mysteries to figure out. You come to be Barney; you hate the people he hates and you too get obsessed with his obsessions. A very emotional unique film that will leave you teary and laughing. Great film 8/10.
Most Recent Customer Reviews
excellent movie
I really enjoyed this movie, so much I would go as far to say it was the best film I have watched all year. Read more
Published 5 months ago by outhere
barney
I have to say this film is excellent. It is funny at times and very moving also. Well worth watching and buying
Published 7 months ago by jezabell
Off-putting
Barney Panofsky (Paul Giamatti) looks back on his life as a Canadian TV producer with three marriages, some life-long friends, and a lot of regrets. Read more
Published 8 months ago by Kona
very good film
I am fast becoming a Paul Giamatti fan. This film and Sideways are really enjoyable stories. Barney's Version is a thoughtful comedy/drama covering Barneys eventful life. Read more
Published 9 months ago by R. Cheshire
Disappointing
I expected a lot from this movie being a huge admirer of Giamatti. I really enjoyed American Splendor and Sideways.
I found the entire movie to be hackneyed. Read more
I found the entire movie to be hackneyed. Read more
Published 12 months ago by Stink Finger
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