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Barney's Version (2010) 7.2
Ratings:
7.2/10 from 15,288 users
Metascore: 67/100
Reviews: 74 user | 183 critic | 33 from Metacritic.com The picaresque and touching story of the politically incorrect, fully lived life of the impulsive, irascible and fearlessly blunt Barney Panofsky. Director:Richard J. Lewis |
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Cast
| Cast overview, first billed only: | |||
| Paul Giamatti | ... | ||
| Dustin Hoffman | ... | ||
| Paul Gross | ... | ||
| Atom Egoyan | ... |
O'Malley Director #1
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| Minnie Driver | ... | ||
| Scott Speedman | ... | ||
| Mark Addy | ... | ||
| Rachelle Lefevre | ... | ||
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Marica Pellegrinelli | ... |
The Countess
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Thomas Trabacchi | ... | |
| Clé Bennett | ... | ||
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Domenico Minutoli | ... |
Judge at Rome Wedding
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Massimo Wertmüller | ... |
Rome Doctor
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| Macha Grenon | ... | ||
| Saul Rubinek | ... | ||
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Plot Summary
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Storyline
Take a ride through the life and memories of Barney Panofsky, a hard-drinking, cigar-smoking, foulmouthed 65-year old hockey fanatic and television producer, as he reflects on his life's successes and (numerous) gaffes and failures as the final chapters of his own existence come sharply into focus. Written by Production
Taglines:
First he got married. Then he got married again. Then he met the love of his life.Motion Picture Rating (MPAA)
Rated R for language and some sexual content | See all certifications »Parents Guide:
View content advisory »
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Details
Language:
EnglishRelease Date:
14 January 2011 (Italy) See more »Also Known As:
A Minha Versão do Amor See more »Box Office
Opening Weekend:
$65,241 (USA) (14 January 2011)Gross:
$7,501,404 (USA) (17 June 2011)Company Credits
Show detailed
company contact information
on
IMDbPro »
Technical Specs
Runtime:
Sound Mix:
Dolby DigitalColor:
ColorAspect Ratio:
2.35 : 1
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Blair: Hello?
Barney Panofsky: Blair, I'd like to speak with my wife.
Blair: Oh, Barney, it's 3:00 in the morning.
Barney Panofsky: Put my wife on the phone.
Blair: She's not your wife and I'm not waking her.
Barney Panofsky: All right. Well, then just ask her what she wants me to do with all these nude photos I have of her. Ah, come to think of it, you actually might want them, if only to see what Miriam looked like in her prime.
Blair: [hangs up]
See more »
Written by Leonard Cohen
Performed by Leonard Cohen
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Did You Know?
Trivia
In development for 12 years. See more »Goofs
On the radio Miriam introduces the song "I Don't Want to Hear It Anymore" by Dusty Springfield. The recording played is the version by Shelby Lynne which was recorded in 2008. See more »Quotes
[first lines]Blair: Hello?
Barney Panofsky: Blair, I'd like to speak with my wife.
Blair: Oh, Barney, it's 3:00 in the morning.
Barney Panofsky: Put my wife on the phone.
Blair: She's not your wife and I'm not waking her.
Barney Panofsky: All right. Well, then just ask her what she wants me to do with all these nude photos I have of her. Ah, come to think of it, you actually might want them, if only to see what Miriam looked like in her prime.
Blair: [hangs up]
See more »
Soundtracks
"Dance Me To The End Of Love"Written by Leonard Cohen
Performed by Leonard Cohen
See more »
Greetings again from the darkness. Ordinarily, a film with Rosamund Pike and Bruce Greenwood in key roles would be sufficient for me to stay home and watch The Nature Channel. However, Paul Giamatti and Dustin Hoffman, as son and father, in a story based on Mordecai Richler's novel was motivation enough for me to buck up and give this one a shot. And what a pleasant surprise this film is.
Giamatti has mastered the role of cynical, self-absorbed, frumpy schlub and his Barney is every bit that. The story is told through extended flashbacks after we learn a detective has written a book accusing Barney of killing his best friend (Scott Speedman). No charges were brought and it's not until the end in an extremely creative reveal that we understand what really happened that day at the lake. Unfortunately, we aren't sure if Barney ever understands, but that's a whole different topic.
Barney's first marriage comes about because his girlfriend gets pregnant. This one ends in tragedy and betrayal and allows Barney to spend much of his life on the path of cynicism, alcoholism and cigar-chain-smoking. He is no pretty sight - from inside or out. He stumbles into his second marriage, this one to Minnie Driver. Ms. Driver is wonderful as the Jewish princess with a Master's Degree. How do we know? She continually reminds us of both facts. Ever known anyone that just constantly reminds you of how smart they are? How this marriage ends leads to the whole suspicion of murder and loss of best friend for Barney.
The real key to the story occurs at the wedding. Instead of worshiping his new bride, Barney watches hockey, does shots with his Dad (Dustin Hoffman) and experiences love at first sight ... not with his bride, but with a guest played by Rosamund Pike. This encounter puts Barney on a singular mission of winning over Ms. Pike, despite his marriage to Driver. Can't really give anything away here other than the story is very clever in how it handles the pursuit, failed marriage and subsequent true love story.
Only thing is, Barney never really "gets" what true love is. Pike has a wonderful scene where she explains that life and love are in "the seconds, the minutes, the routines". Barney nods but is clearly in over his head in so many ways.
What I really appreciate about this story is how there are so many relationships that seem to spring from reality ... people we know in situations we've been in. The title, of course, refers to Barney's version of reality. How he sees things. We could each replace his name with ours for a movie on our life. Do we see reality, or is reality how we interpret these seconds, minutes, routines? The answer seems pretty clear.
The film is directed by Richard J. Lewis (not the comedian) but is really a product of the amazing story and talented cast led by the extraordinary performance of Giamatti. Dustin Hoffman's scenes are all excellent, and his real life son Jake, plays his grandson in the film. Don't miss the quick scenes featuring standout directors Atom Egoyan, David Cronenberg and Ted Kotcheff. It's also character actor extraordinare Maury Chaykin's final film. And I certainly can't omit mention of the fabulous soundtrack featuring T-Rex, JJ Cale, Donovan and others. Leonard Cohen's "I'm Your Man" plays over the closing credits so don't leave early!