Review: Barney's Version (2010, Dir. Richard J. Lewis)

Bachelorette # 3: Rosamund Pike and Paul Giamatti tie the knot in Barney's Version.

Barney's Version--Paul Giamatti delivers a much-deserved Golden Globe-nominated performance in this light, comedic drama following the life of a cranky but loveable television producer that encompasses three marriages, two continents, and one foul-mouthed Dustin Hoffman. Giamatti plays Barney with enough crass to make him edgy and enough charm to make him bearable, creating hilariously irascible eyes and ears for the audience who glimpses at a tonally uneven but nonetheless insightful story that sometimes loses itself between being both harsh and maudlin. Rachel LeFevre and Minnie Driver infuse their supporting wife characters with credible and wry wit that gives the film its snapping bite, while Scott Speedman does what he can with a one-note, washed-up albeit pivotal role. Hoffman is terrific and makes his performance memorable with natural goof and warped wisdom, but Rosamund Pike comes out with the strongest turn. She’s bewitchingly gorgeous and enchantingly emotional—her evocation of heartbreak and happiness drives the story, making her stop both Giamatti and the audience in their tracks (and even steal a few scenes from him, too). Their romance is the core of Lewis’ film, as it pins down all the marriage’s warmth, chill, and everything else in between. It’s easy to tell the filmmaker is passionate about the iconic source material, and he does struggle at times to enhance development of significant sections and characters (Barney’s kids are somewhat overlooked, and Hoffman’s role is sadly underwritten) in favor of creating a tight adaptation. Barney’s Version, thus, suffers from some shifts in tone (ranging from jarring darkness to light humor while even uncomfortably mixing the two), but for the most part is a very enjoyable, funny, and even uplifting romance that features two carefully constructed and emotive performances from Giamatti and Pike.

Grade: B