Hammerman Ikon

Hammerman Ikon Film Guide

Barney's Version
2010
***½
Director: Richard J. Lewis
Cast: Paul Giamatti, Rosamund Pike, Minnie Driver, Rachelle Lefevre, Scott Speedman, Dustin Hoffman, Bruce Greenwood, Anna Hopkins, Mark Addy

Just when his memory is starting to go, Barney Panofsky, a Canadian TV producer, reminisces about his three marriages and his best friend's mysterious disappearance years ago. Richard J. Lewis' adaptation of Mordecai Richler's final novel is a wonderful example of old-fashioned storytelling. This is a long and sprawling drama, but Barney's life and love story swept me along. The film left me with some unanswered questions, though. Firstly, why are all these beautiful women attracted to this selfish and modest-looking man? Secondly, why should I care about him? And lastly, is there a point to all of this? in any case, Paul Giamatti gives another excellent performance in the title role.