Barney's Version

Plot Summary

Based on Mordecai Richler's prize-winning comic novel--his last and, arguably, best--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 Barneys point of view, the film spans four 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 colorful 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. Produced by Robert Lantos, whose quest to bring Richler's sprawling narrative to the screen took more than a decade, the film was directed by Richard J. Lewis from a screenplay by Michael Konyves. Co-produced by Lyse Lafontaine, Domenico Procacci, and Ari Lantos, BARNEY'S VERSION is a Serendipity Point Films production made in association with Romes Fandango and Montreal-based Lyla Films. Mark Musselman is executive producer.