Review of Barney's Version (2010) by Donna B — 12 Apr 2011
Weâ(TM)re only a quarter through 2011, but this is the best film Iâ(TM)ve seen so far this year. Richard J. Lewis directs this captivating screenplay written by Michael Konyves from Mordecai Richlerâ(TM)s novel . Itâ(TM)s the fascinating story of Barney Panofsky (Paul Giamatti), his touching relationship with his father Izzy (Dustin Hoffman), his volatile friendships and impulsive, turbulent marriages. Hoffman and Giamatti are perfect as father and son, and Rosamund Pike is almost hypnotic as Miriam, Barneyâ(TM)s third wife. Director Lewis succeeds in making Barney so lovable despite his sleezy career, wild boozing and cigar smoking. You find yourself so engrossed in the story and the superb acting from such an incredible cast, this lengthy film moves at just the right pace.
The soundtrack is an eclectic mix of tunes by Leonard Cohen, Donovan, Ella Fitzgerald, JJ Cale, Absofacto, John Lee Hooker, and more.
On the Diode Scale, this film gets a definite 10.
This review of Barney's Version (2010) was written by Donna B on 12 Apr 2011.
Barney's Version has generally received positive reviews.
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