Barney's Version (2011)

I think this is a new genre that they're all sort of working their way through it and haven't got all the kinks worked out yet but it's a genre that works for me.

Very disappointing...

Expected more

Best movie ever!

So unrealistic! Maybe looks are not as important for women as it is for us men, but come on! At least the guy has to make it up for it somehow. Money (if the woman is seeking that), power, fame, unique talent, sense of adventure, charisma, strong character, artistic nature,sense of humor,...and Barney has none of that! (he has some money, but the women he seems to attract are well off either, maybe not his first wife).Sorry, I just can't ever get over that :-(

Is i think a perfect way to describe my viewing experience of "Barney's -Version". This film is both parts entertaining comedy as well as heart-felt tragedy. Which really surprised me that such a combination was even possible, but this film succeeded in building a bridge between this (in opinion until i watched the movie) unlink-able depths of human emotions. The movie starts of very strong and reaches it entertaining highs mid-film. it does loose a bit of its sharpness after that but it does return to its high form near the end. hence the rating of 7/10.Overall "Barneys-Version" is a good and well made movie, manifesting my view on Paul Giamatti as being a very talented actor and the film getting a recommendation from me.

I think Mordecai Richler was the master of telling Jewish themed stories and this one translates to the movie screen effortlessly. The casting is fabulous , just as it was in the Apprenticeship, and the mise-en-scene is perfect. If you want to be thoroughly entertained by every character in the film and have your intellect tickled by the nuances and humour of the Jewish psyche then go no further than this movie. I've seen it twice now and could watch it a dozen times more. There is not a sub par performance by any of the actors and although Paul Giamatti is the centrepiece, he is just one of a fantastic ensemble. The direction is absolutely pitch perfect and I don't think I've ever enjoyed a movie more. It's not fair.. Rosamund Pike is stunningly beautiful and is a wonderful actress, why does God not spread the qualities around more evenly? What, with her in this movie and Virginia Madsen in Sideways I think I have seen all of the actresses I ever need to.bravo! BillC

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.