Barney's Version

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Italy, Canada

2010

Rated R · 2h 14m

Director Richard J. Lewis

Starring Paul Giamatti, Dustin Hoffman, Rosamund Pike, Minnie Driver

Genre Comedy, Drama

Based on Mordecai Richler's eponymous prize-winning comic novel, Barney’s Version tells the story of the life of a seemingly ordinary man, Barney Panofsky, in four decades, three marriages, two children, and one unlikely hero -- Barney himself.

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WHAT ARE CRITICS SAYING?

The New York Times by A.O. Scott

In spite of Mr. Giamatti's ferociously energetic performance Barney's Version never figures out just who Barney is.

Boxoffice Magazine by Barbara Goslawski

Barney's Version is one of those rare films whose caricature of life undeniably illuminates. It's the vivid story of the topsy-turvy character so flawed you love him despite yourself.

Time Out by David Fear

Even if you can forgive the crude JAP caricatures (et tu Minnie Driver?) and the blatantness of the film's attempts to make you sob, you're still left with lovely actors stuck in a lackluster cover version of the real thing.

Village Voice by Ella Taylor

Barney's Version misses every opportunity for raucous picaresque fun that the book throws its way, while squandering a wealth of transatlantic performing talent led by Paul Giamatti.

IndieWire by Eric Kohn

The highbrow intentions of Barney's Version suffer from a constant pile up of dead ends.

New York Post by Kyle Smith

A sour, plotless and witless comedy-drama based on the final Mordecai Richler novel, wants to remind you of "Sideways" and its forlorn drink-moistened soul search. Giamatti is an ideal casting choice, but even this talented actor can't sell a lovable-jerk

The Globe and Mail (Toronto) by Liam Lacey

A feisty domestic comedy about a curmudgeon with a heart, looking back over his misspent life.

Entertainment Weekly by Owen Gleiberman

Paul Giamatti, dialing down his trembly-voiced neurotic energy to good effect, gives a holy hell of a performance as Barney Panofsky.

Christian Science Monitor by Peter Rainer

An overstuffed odyssey that, while disappointing on many levels, has standout performances by Paul Giamatti.

Movieline by Stephanie Zacharek

Barney's Version is too much of a sprawl to have much of a lasting emotional effect.