Review of Barney's Version (2010) by John R P — 03 Nov 2012

The bit of Montreal flavour this movie captures and uses makes this local movie lover happy; the bias I knew I could not hide as a fan of Giamatti, won't, I hope, diminish the many good things that can be said of the work. If the predominant Leonard Cohen tunes of the soundtrack (and other artists I like), doesn't move you and if the Michael Konyves' brilliant adaptation of Mordecai Richler's novel hasn't made you a believer in his work, the performance by Giamatti certainly will.

This is the second time I read a review by David Ferguson (from Texas), whose depiction, opinion and overall appreciation for the movie I share, except his early comment about Rosemund Pike which I don't totally share; thus again I must try not to plagiarize, so I'll try to cover stuff he doesn't. Read his review. This character development work has garnished praise and ratings that speak for themselves, yet I encourage everyone to voice them in reviews of your own anyway.

Giamatti, a character actor, respected and loved by his peers, has, over the years, seen a steady growth of his very loyal fan base. His supporting role in the 2000 movie Duets (where, in my opinion, he steals the show) was when he caught my attention; the 2004 Sideways brought him the wider attention he deserves. He has shown he can play something other than a mope, hapless or disconnected lovable flawed character he so brilliant depicts in the movies he's most loved for, like Harvey Pekar in the 2003 American Splendor, when he did something in the unusual genre of the 2007 Shoot 'Em Up. Whether you like his performances or dislike them, tells me want kind of movie lover you are.

Dustin Hoffman playing a smaller supporting role, with the professionalism you expect, says something about this project; many celebrated Canadian directors and writers wanted and got in on this film as well, in cameos no less, reaffirming this point. Read interviews and sorts about the making of this movie; you will be convinced to see it if you haven't. It is funny because of its rich in wit dialogue, and it is also very sad because of the story told with outstanding performance. It will hold a place among my all time favourites for the foreseeable future.