SYNOPSIS
Barney’s Version. Based on Mordecai Richler’s prize-winning comic novel, BARNEY’S VERSION is the warm, wise, and witty story of Barney Panofsky, (Paul Giamatti), a seemingly ordinary man who lives an extraordinary life. A candid confessional, told from Barney’s point of view, the film spans three decades and two continents, taking us through the different “acts” of his unusual history. There is his first wife, Clara, (Rachelle Lefevre), a flame-haired, flagrantly unfaithful free sprit with whom Barney briefly lives la vie de Boheme in Rome. The “Second Mrs. P.,” (Minnie Driver), is a wealthy Jewish Princess who shops and talks incessantly, barely noticing that Barney is not listening. And it is at their lavish wedding that Barney meets, and starts pursuing, Miriam (Rosamund Pike), his third wife, the mother of his two children, and his true love. With his father, Izzy (Dustin Hoffman) as his sidekick, Barney takes us through the many highs, and a few too many lows, of his long and colourful life. Not only does Barney turn out to be a true romantic, he is also capable of all kinds of sneaky acts of gallantry, generosity, and goodness when we – and he – least expect it. His is a gloriously full life, played out on a grand scale. And, at its center stands an unlikely hero – the unforgettable Barney Panofsky.
BARNEY’S VERSION features Academy Award nominee Paul Giamatti (American Splendor, Sideways) in the lead role, and a stellar supporting cast including Dustin Hoffman (Rain Man, Kramer Vs. Kramer, The Graduate), Rosamund Pike (Made in Dagenham, An Education), Minnie Driver (Good Will Hunting, Grosse Pointe Blank), Rachelle Lefevre (New Moon, Twilight) and Scott Speedman (Underworld, The Strangers).
A Serendipity Point Films production, BARNEY’S VERSION is directed by Richard J. Lewis (Whale Music), who has twice been Emmy-nominated for his work on acclaimed TV series CSI: Crime Scene Investigation, and is produced by Robert Lantos (Eastern Promises, Being Julia).
