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A comedy-drama,directed by Richard J. Lewis,it is based on the novel of the same name by Mordecai Richler. Barney Panofsky is an aging television producer,divorced and comforted only by his cigars and rash drinking habits. He starts to look back on his life and all the many mistakes he made especially the three failed marriages. Foul mouthed,Barneys not kind,charming,or easy to be around,yet is magnetic.
The film tracks Barney go through poorly chosen relationships that seem to occur because they fall in his lap. First is in the 1970s in Italy with the brash,high-heeled hippie Clara who tricks him into marriage by telling him hes the father of her baby. When its established that the stillborn is no relation,and hes faced with a visit from a father-in-law with no sense of boundaries wishing to commiserate over Claras suicide,he hops back to the United States to produce television serials. He is introduced to Mrs. Panofsky,a hyper Jewish girl. At their wedding,he becomes entranced by Miriam whom he chases after with gifts and phone calls while continuing to act the part of husband. He finally marries her and has two children. But instead of appreciating her love and devotion,his boorish,self centered attitude loses Miriam to Blair. The film winds down to a fragile Barney who has Alzheimers.
As Barney,the Golden Globe winner Paul Giamatti is stunning and perfect as always. He is one of the most talented and underrated character actors of his generation,and he continues to prove his worth and excellence here. The rest of the cast compliment Giamatti,despite their screen time. Rachelle Lefevre,Minnie Driver and especially Rosa-mund Pike are all excellent as Barneys wives,as is Scott Speedman who plays his best friend Boogie. Dustin Hoffman steals the show with performance laced with gusto and depth.
While the acting and cinematography of Barneys Version are a class,so is the narrative which dwells on simple moments,e.g. Barneys first encounter with Miriam. Speckled with hilarity especially scenes between Hoffman and Giamatti,the film has many more such moments.
The entire first half of the film is fast-paced; the second half slows down on account of the emotional weight. To director Richard J. Lewis credit,it doesnt get boring. Barneys Version is a revelation of a film,packed with a great story,sparkling dialogue and even better performances. This is one of the unsung best films of the year.
RATING: ****
One star each for performances,direction,script and overall production aspects.
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