Sunday, August 21, 2011

Barney's Version

Summary: Barney Panofsky (Paul Giamatti) is a Jewish Canadian tv producer who flashes back in time to his three marriages. In each marriage it's shown how one man has the time of his life with friends while finding the woman who will have his children. The key moment in the film was probably a single card from a wedding that a friend kindly sniped to give Panofsky the best gift of his life, but he had to earn it.

Review: This movie was a great watch and it was a well made film in all aspects. The music was nice with jazz thrown in too. Paul Giamatti is a great actor and finally gets another chance to be the main leading man. I once had a professor comment how he's Hollywood's best supporting actor, but his talent really shown as the numero uno honcho in this movie. It was a touching movie as it details a man's life, but I have to wonder how serious were all the romances. They all seemed so magical in the moment and Panofsky wasn't portrayed as a "hunk." It had plenty of humor especially with the father, Izzy, played by Dustin Hoffman. The wives, Clara Charnofsky, 2nd Mrs. Panofsky, and Miriam Grant were played by Rachelle Lefevre, Minnie Driver, and Rosamund Pike to perfection by each of the traits of the specific wife. Rosamund Pike looks excellent, but it's surprising that she's only 32, but in this movie and The Surrogates, she plays a role that has her appear very aged.

Further Question/Philosophy/Theme: Can a normal man find love without the wealth of Barney Panofsky? Time really does await no man and it hurts even more when the memories fade from within. When is it considered a betrayal of friendship? Sex vs. Love

Power Rating (Out of 5): 5 This was a movie that really fit the comedy-drama label as it was hilarious in its lighter moments, and a tear inducing drama in its more serious moments. It was one of the better movies I've seen in this genre, even though when this genre is good, the films tend to be excellent. It was well executed and left me satisfied yet sad that it was such a box office failure.

Favorite Quotes: "Did you wash it with soap?"

Barney Panofsky: So you fucked her?
Boogie: It was the only thing that would shut her up.

Barney Panofsky: Should I sleep on the sofa?
Miriam: Stop feeling sorry for yourself. You're not sleeping on the sofa, we don't sleep apart. Good night.

Miriam: We can be friends now, can't we?
Barney Panofsky: No. We can't.
Miriam: I'm here for you if you'll let me. We had a beautiful marriage, but it's over. I want you to be at peace with that.
Barney Panofsky: Have I ever given up when it comes to you?
Miriam: Never.
Barney Panofsky: So what makes you think I would start now?

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