Barney's Version

Barney's Version film is one of the few to be a life-touching films and somewhat of a self-development film to young men through its devotion to pursuing the woman you hold close to heart. In addition, teaches men to treat the woman that you love dearly as your treasure. There were sad moments in the film that seem to teach more of a lesson on the woman you choose, the friends you allow into your home (giving the life-lesson that some would try fornication), and their was much to smile and laugh about in the film. I personally don't understand why this film wasn't as popular as it should have been. Honestly, I love this film, for its like a voice to men in a agape sense! Language was explicit as a demonstration to a life unfiltered (meaning their is filthy language that people like to construct). Paul Giamatti chose a great film to be the main actor and the acting was superb. I won't lie and say it was full of drama because certain parts of the film you'll laugh and certain parts you'll gain wisdom, and certain parts you'll feel sad and disappointed things turned out that way but in a mesmerizing type of sense. Personally thought his second wife was a decent wife (Minnie Driver) whom made efforts but her sexual drive became suppressed because of Barney not giving daily sex so she cheated. But the Third wife was a very good choice but Barney cheated because of sexual suppression when Miriam Grant-Panofsky (third wife) left on vocation with the company of their son and Blair (who was courting his wife in secret), there was Karma in this! But a great film, and inspirational.

Paul Giamatti goes a bit off the charts here, as does the controlling direction that I found a bit herky jerky. You want to like some of the characters, yet they may not be lovable. Dustin Hoffman steals his scenes...Giamatti could learn from him how to do so without making it so obvious that he's trying. I’m not sure Giamatti was the right guy to cast here, even though he picked up a Golden Globe. Regardless this is a heavy flick that balances like a coin on it’s side.

This is a movie about a man that as far as I can see it managed to blow through not one but three marriages. What Barney failed to realize is that his marriages largely failed because as marriage counselors will tell you he had contempt for his wives. An alcoholic who has an amazing ability to charm people, initially his wives and friends and then business people. And just when you want to start really disliking the guy he comes down with Alzheimer's and we feel sorry for him as his life winds down.

the movie itself is excellent, one of the top five movies of my life. It is the quality of this DVD that absolutely is horrible, it is worse than a bootleg--by the second time i played it, it was freezing for long periods in certain spots. I put it away for a few years after we moved, and just tried it again with a new DVD player--same problem,it plays like a bootleg copy with freezing, etc.The movie I would recommend to everyone--just do not buy from this seller, OK?

If I could recommend one film, it would be "Barney's Version'. A film that creeps up on you- at first laughing and then silently weeping. A marvel of a film with much to say, one of those films you think about long afterr the viewing.'Barney's Version' tells the story of a man not particularly talented or good looking or very rich, but a man who is greatly loved by a beautiful woman and that is a puzzle to many. Barney drinks much too much, smokes cigars, has a paunch, isn't there when she really needs him, but he has something that is palpable. Paul Giamatti plays Barney, and this is a wonder of his acting. He has picked roles of men who are not particularly distinguised, but he makes these men something to behold. Barney was married three times, once to a young woman who killed herself, the second time because the woman loved him, and on his wedding day he met the love of his life and pursued her until they were married. Two children and a wonderful life and then it falls apart. Barney never recovers, and as he ponders his life in flashbacks, we come to understand where he has been but not where he is going. Many lessons in this film, and it is sad that Barney never really gets to understand these lessons.Paul Giamatti's performance is remarkable, a performance that deserved the Oscar. The nuance of his acting is so beautiful. He reminded me of a friend.Highly Recommended. prisrob 08-12-11Win WinSafe Men

Barney’s Version is an excellent film with exceptional performances by Paul Giamatti and cast, particularly Dustin Hoffman.It is a funny, witty, dramatic, and ultimately, charming story of a resilient man recounting his life story as he remembers it.The ending of the film portrays a realisation that we all live a life of joy and experience mistakes that can alter our lives forever.Especially when we sit back and think of what could have been.

I have watched in cinema and I loved it.

At turns amusing and poignant, this is a skillful adaptation of the novel which manages to portray the self-destructive and like-able character that is Barney.

Right up there with Sideways. Puerile, poignant, magnificent. Don't be put off by the sluggish start - give it time.

Great movie examining human motivations and failures.