Barney's Version (2010): Dir: Richard J. Lewis / Cast: Paul Giamatti, Rosamund Pike, Minnie Driver, Dustin Hoffman, Rachelle Lefevre: Drama comedy about reason. Barney is a failure at life. He produces a TV show he doesn't care for. He gets married three times. He pursues one woman straight from the wedding reception of his second marriage. He has two children that he barely acknowledges. And his best friend dies under circumstances that have him under extreme bad publicity. Director Richard J. Lewis hits many themes here including an ageing job done on Paul Giamatti that is convincing as he comes down with alzheimers. Giamatti delivers perhaps his best performance since Sideways. He plays Barney as a louse who can relate to his father but not to any of his three wives. His first was an actress who became pregnant and then committed suicide. Rosamund Pike plays his third wife whom he meets at his second wedding reception. He pursues her and she eventually marries him after his divorce. This marriage is more successful until Barney's insecurity sets in when she wishes to return to her career in radio. Minnie Driver steals scenes as his wealthy spoiled second wife whom Barney cannot stand. The situation surrounding their divorce begins comical and concludes tragic. Dustin Hoffman is hilarious as Barney's retired detective father who rebels Driver's father and concludes his life on an amusing note. Rachelle Lefevre plays Barney's first wife who announces she is pregnant but commits suicide after informing him that it is not his kid. Great film about one's flaws particularly those of total ignorance. Score: 9 / 10
Review of Barney's Version
