Review of Barney's Version (2010) by Geoff T — 09 Mar 2011

I wasn't expecting this and was completely taken by surprise and not wanting the film to end. This is a beautiful story, full of smiles, laughters and tears as we go through the life of Barney, an ordinary man, imperfect and sometimes annoying, but genuine and touching, someone in whom we recognise a little of ourselves. That's why we care. That's why his story is a little bit of our own story. The film has its imperfections but it doesn't really matter.

The performance of Giamatti is mesmerising, spanning about 40 years Barney's life. He carries the film effortlessly and is supported by a great cast, including Dustin Hoffman in the role of an extroverted and non-PC father.

The script is quite complex, alternating present time and flashbacks, always in a clear and justified fashion, exploring youthful insouciance, relationships, love, betrayal, loss. What is not explored in the various scenes is left to the dialogues, naturalistic, simple but where every word rings true.

Character studies are not easy. This one is a complete success and manages to entertain and touch in subtle and simple ways, making us look back at our life as we look at Barney's version.