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| Movie Review: Barney's Version Alternate Title: I'm Your Man
Story: I am a sucker for any
film that uses a soundtrack that includes tunes by Leonard Cohen.
That said, this was a strange and humorous ride through the emotional
life of one, Barney Panofsky. The film weaves back
and forth over 40 years in Barney's tumultuous journey. The film was
deftly directed by Richard J. Lewis and written by
Michael Konyves. It is based on the novel by Mordecai
Richler. Barney is not easy to love. He drinks too much,
occasionally philanders, is moody and is not easy on the eye. However,
by film's end it is hard not to wish that you knew someone like Barney. The film takes place mostly in Montreal where
Barney has a TV production company that essentially makes schlocky TV
shows and earns oodles of cash. He falls madly in love with a woman
he meets at his own wedding. His pursuit of this woman, his marriages
and his passion is overtly entertaining. You cannot help but root for
the guy even though he has many flaws. This is a slice of life film that worked for
me even though at times, some of the plot lines got hazy and seemed
uneven. I recommend this film and if you are Jewish - you will like
it even more. Watch the trailer here: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=1Z52vBL3zlc Acting: Paul Giamatti as Barney is remarkable. He
ages, not only visually, but his physical carriage also gets older.
He is a gem. Dustin Hoffman as his father, Izzy is
perfect. Rosamund Pike as third wife, Miriam is a very
interesting actor and she played the part well. Minnie Driver
as the second Mrs. P. was hysterical. Rachelle Lefevre,
as the first Mrs P was fine. Scott Speedman as his
friend Boogie was good as was the supporting cast including: Bruce
Greenwood (Blair) and Macha Grenon (Solange). Trivia: Rosamund Pike was friends with Chelsea Clinton
while at Wadham College, Oxford. Not only are they both the same height
(5' 9"), they are both fluent in German, and they are both only
children. Mordecai Richler (1931 – 2001) was
a Canadian author, screenwriter and essayist. His best known works are
The Apprenticeship of Duddy Kravitz ( a great film),
Barney's Version, and the Jacob Two-Two children's stories.
Predilection: I like Paul Giamatti
Critters: None
Food: Steak, fish and pasta.
Sex Spectrum: Some shtupping.
Blatant Product Placement: Dom Perignon, Mercedes.
Soundtrack: Terrific
Opening Titles: None - all titles are at the end.
Visual Art: The Panofsky's lived a good life and
Montreal looks like a nice place to live.
Theater Audience: About 20 other people.
Sappy Factor: 0
Quirky Meter: 0
Squirm Scale: 0
Drift Factor: I paid attention throughout
Predictability Level: I was a bit surprised near
the end.
Tissue Usage: I welled up a bit.
Oscar Worthy: Apparently not even though Paul
Giammati won a Golden Globe for this performance.
Barney's Version is nominated for an Oscar in the category of Best Makeup
(Adrien Morot).
Big Screen or Rental: I always vote for the big screen.
Length: A bit over two hours.
LOBO HOWLS: 8 |