Barney's Version

[Holmes]

Trailer - http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Eo-0k5rkUeo

My review:

Based on the popular novel by the late Mordecai Richler, Barney’s Version is a comic and poignant film with terrific performances. The experience of watching it is as comfortable as a favorite sweater, as pleasant as a long conversation with old friends. In the title role, an often ill-tempered, but mostly kindhearted soap opera producer based in Montreal, Paul Giamatti delivers what might be his finest performance or at least one on par with his excellent turns in American Splendor and Sideways.

The film follows Barney Panofsky through his life, centering in particular on his three wives: Clara (Rachelle Lefevre), a bohemian he impregnates in Rome; the nameless "second Mrs. P." (Minnie Driver), an obnoxious Jewish princess; and, at last, Miriam (Rosamund Pike), the love of his life and mother of his children. We also see Barney's close relationship with his father (Dustin Hoffman), a tough retired policeman, as well as his friendship with Boogie (Scott Speedman), a substance-abusing writer who meets a suspicious end.

Just as excellent as Giamatti is Rosamund Pike (it's criminal neither was nominated for an Oscar). She's a radiant actress who has delivered fine turns in several films, including Die Another Day, Pride & Prejudice, Fracture, and An Education, but this is her best role to date. We follow Miriam as she goes from Barney's aloof object of affection to his devoted wife, and then, alas, as she grows tired of his incorrigible behavior. Pike breathes life into her every step of the way, turning a supporting character into one just as essential and fascinating as the actual protagonist. Dustin Hoffman is also deserving of praise. It is clear the veteran actor is having a great time playing Barney's advice-dispensing, B.S.-averse blue-collar father.

At well over two hours, it could be said Barney's Version is too long. The inclusion of a quirky murder mystery in particular might raise the ire of those hoping for a shorter, tighter film. But as Roger Ebert once wrote, "No good film is too long, no bad film is short enough." Here is a well-acted and crafted film full of humor and heartache. I could have easily spent another hour with Barney Panofsky and co.

http://www.worldofkj.com/article.php?i=79

[Taipan]

Thanks for the thread and trailer. I have to see this!

Thanks again for the awareness.

[Mandalorian]

I loved this movie. I was actually surprised at how much I did. Day oner for me.

[TheManInBlu]

Just saw it this weekend and absolutely loved it!! Didn't even look at my watch once which is a rare thing for me. I'm from Montreal so I really dug that it took place here. Day one buy for me and quite possibly my favorite film of 2010

[Mandalorian]

Wow. This movie came out on blu, so under the radar. Is there even a US Blu-ray thread for it? I couldn't find one. Anyway, it's $30 everywhere, except for eBay! Probably because it's budget was around $30M, but it only made around $8M worldwide. Such a disappointment for a great film. I want to get it at a B&M store to show that someone cares, but eBay is looking really good. There are new copies for around $16. I think I will wait out a price drop, but man I really want this movie. Haven't seen it since last December when it was in limited release.