When a film is about a person, most depictions would be presented in the best possible light, all to present them as a person to be admired. That being said, Barney’s Version does not do that. The novel does give the adaptation some trouble– after all, Barney is a guy that fell in love with a woman other than his wife on his wedding night– but while Barney isn’t exactly the best person you’d like to meet, the way the story is structured, Paul Giamatti’s sympathetic performance and the way Barney remains honest with himself and his desires all throughout life makes the title character easy to root for, even with all his blunt ways. Barney’s Version does take plenty of familiar tropes, sometimes stereotypical, but it handles this life drama with subtle comedy and excellent performances.
"Barney is someone you'll hate to love, but it's the supporting characters that will ultimately endear you to his version."
— Adam Woodward
The picaresque and touching story of the politically incorrect, fully lived life of the impulsive, irascible and fearlessly blunt Barney Panofsky.
Looking back at his life, impulsive, irascible TV producer Barney Panofsky remembers his three marriages, his family, and the disappearance of his friend Boogie, which has never been explained.
The performances.
Paul Giamatti really knows how to embody the everyday guy.
Oscars
1 nomination
Venice
1 win
Golden Globes
1 nomination
