Title: Barney’s Version
Director: Richard J. Lewis
Starring: Paul Giamatti, Rosamund Pike, Scott Speedman, Dustin Hoffman, Minnie Driver, Anna Hopkins, Bruce Greenwood, Mark Addy
At 134 minutes, “Barney’s Version” is a tad long-winded. The flick is based off a novel written by the late Canadian Mordecai Richler. Filmed on-location in Montreal, New York and Rome; the autobiographical delivery via the lead’s mind, reflects back on the times he spent in each location. It’s not one of those, “Oh, when we were young” type pieces. Instead, the flick follows a character who constantly flip-flops in being the protagonist and the antagonist. And who better to handle a complex role than Paul Giamatti.
Barney Panofsky (Paul Giamatti) is an executive producer of a popular soap-opera, which is filmed in Montreal, Quebec Canada. We first meet the brash man while he’s in his sixties. He begins each day with a cigar and whiskey and if the mood catches him, he’ll even call up one of his ex-wives’ husbands and harass him just to get a rise. After he spends another monotonous day on set, he always wanders in to his favorite watering-hole Grumpy’s, to watch some hockey and have a night-cap or two….Or seven. While he’s there, a retired detective (Mark Addy) drops in, gloating about his new book that is fresh off the press. The book just happens to be about Barney and his past. A past, that alleges him getting away with a crime involving his best friend Boogie (Scott Speedman).
After the detective leaves the book, Barney begins going through the pages – or “bullsh*t” as he refers to it – and begins to remember certain times in his life. It starts in the mid-70s in Rome, where he and Boogie were just coasting through life on a variety of drugs. From there, the story chronologically jumps to Montreal, where he meets his second wife (Minnie Driver) and his producer career begins. As the story goes through that era of Barney’s life, another entry is introduced that revolves around a random girl in Miriam (Rosamund Pike). The heart – and meat – of the story lies within these chapters, as Barney’s life progresses and digresses on multiple levels. The one constant in the majority of these depicted moments is Barney’s father Izzy (an exuberant Dustin Hoffman).
Izzy is more-or-less an anchor for Barney, but his commentary and actions can be just as outlandish as his son’s demeanor. Also acting as a lifeline is Barney’s daughter Kate (Anna Hopkins). She stands by her father in both the good and bad times. Little do they all know, the good times are about to be overshadowed by some bad elements. That even the resourceful and confident Barney Panofsky cannot overcome.
First and foremost, the performances is what keeps the audience engaged in what can seem like a pointless journey of recollection at times. Even though the story is set in the past, the flick will come back to visit the present quite often (kudos to the Oscar-nominated make-up department by the way). The pacing and storytelling delivery feels a lot like 2001’s “Blow.” Though the subject matter is different, this comparison is mainly due to the nature of the lead characters found in each respective movie. Just as Johnny Depp’s “George Jung” was an anti-hero, so is Paul Giamatti’s “Barney.” In addition, the audience will take pity on the character, hoping that something positive will happen by the end. However, since the character is conflicted and unresolved, and the delivery of the story remains neutral and unbiased. One may find themselves rooting for the exact opposite of happy because of this.
This dynamic is what will keep one in a state of intrigue despite the bland style. Giamatti definitely earned his 2010 Golden Globe for what he does with this role. His sarcastic dialogue, subtle rage and endearing physical stature is captivating. All his co-stars mentioned above compliment him nicely and in some scenes, outshine his great work. Dustin Hoffman is in the zone as the wise-mentor who also likes to shake things up if the time is right. Pike and Driver will not blow you away (darn it) but they provide the steady hand to keep this going.
When the flick goes for funny – and this is not a true comedy – it nails it. Giamatti summons a Jack Palance-type voice which can be amusing. In fact, the guy brings every emotion into this character and hits them all in an effortless manner. He had some help as mentioned, but like Jack Nicholson in his later years, the guy can easily carry a movie on his own. And he still has plenty of time.
Overall, “Barney’s Version” proves that impeccable acting can save any type of script. This script is average and seems to lack motivation. Kind of like a novelist writing without a goal. Which then leads to some of the angles not being all that buyable. Fortunately, the cast elevated this piece and provided a vast array of emotions all audiences can relate to.
RATING: 3.5 out of 5
Review by Joe Belcastro
