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
From metacritic.com
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Title: Barney's Version (2010)
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| Cast overview, first billed only: | |||
| Paul Giamatti | ... | Barney Panofsky | |
| Macha Grenon | ... | Solange | |
| Paul Gross | ... | Constable O'Malley of the North | |
| Atom Egoyan | ... | O'Malley Director #1 | |
| Mark Camacho | ... | T / U Productions Executive #1 | |
 |
David Pryde | ... | T / U Productions Executive #2 |
| Paula Jean Hixson | ... | Bartender at Grumpy's | |
| Mark Addy | ... | Detective O'Hearne | |
| Scott Speedman | ... | Boogie | |
| Marica Pellegrinelli | ... | 'The Countess' | |
| Thomas Trabacchi | ... | Leo | |
| Clé Bennett | ... | Cedric | |
| Rachelle Lefevre | ... | Clara 'Chambers' Charnofsky | |
|
|
Domenico Minutoli | ... | Judge at Rome Wedding |
|
|
Massimo Wertmüller | ... | Rome Doctor (as Massimo Wertmuller) |
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
Barney is and old and lonely man. A new book is coming out that highlights certain details he wishes to keep secret. He reflects on his life and falling in love on his wedding day...with another woman.
Barney's Version is a Canadian film that feels American. I can't really describe it any other way, it feels like an American film, mostly because it's not a documentary or directed by Paul Gross. That alone gets points in my book, are we as a country finally getting things right in the movie making business? A little late if you ask me.
Aside from the fact that it's Canadian, it's a really well made film. Paul Giamatti gives yet another terrific performance. One to add to an already impressive list. It's a shame the guy has never earned an Oscar. This role could have easily been nominated and I rank it among his best work. He has a lot of help from the supporting cast though. Dustin Hoffman plays his father, again a great role for such a character actor. Rosamund Pike and Minnie Driver are two ladies that Barney marries. Pike is given a bit more to do than Driver, but both are memorable. Scott Speedman, a guy more known for his looks than his acting plays Barney's best friend and has a key role in a bit of drama that circulates Barney's life.
The film is loaded with small cameos from famous Canadians, the aforementioned Paul Gross has a small bit, Atom Egoyan, Mark Camacho, and David Cronenberg. Film fanatics, or Canadians who know their movies will pick up on these things. They might also notice that while the film is Canadian, it never tries to force that fact on us. With most Canadian productions, you must have a certain amount of Canadian content. One glance at the film One Week can testify to this. While there are bits and pieces that are definitely Canadian, it never feels forced. This is mostly why the film feels American at times.
Barney's Version is a great film that details the life of one troubled man who has everything and loses it. It's depressing at times and it hit home with a few topics that most people can relate to, Alzheimer's's. The film feels accomplished. It's well written and directed, as I mentioned earlier the acting is superb. I can easily recommend this to anyone looking for a film with a great story and great performances.