A test in patience

Barney's Version
A; drama
Dir: Richard J Lewis
Cast: Bruce Greenwood, Dustin Hoffman, Minnie Driver, Paul Giamatti, Rosamund Pike
Rating:''

What's it about: After watching Barney's Version, you can't but help getting a sense of d ufffdj vu about another romantic comedyu00a0-- Four Weddings and a Funeral. The Hugh Grant film went on earn enormous commercial and critical success thanks to its lucid plot and colourful ensemble cast. Similarly, Barney's Version works mostly because of the ensemble cast, including an effortless performance by Paul Giamatti (Sideways). He plays a Canadian TV producer who realises his heart, sometimes goofs up and falls for the wrong woman. The story is simple and there are no surprise twists or sub-plots that need explanation. Less is more.

What's hot: When Giamatti took home the Golden Globe early this year for his performance, a few eyebrows were raised. No one doubted his deserving win, but many felt this was too easy a win for the versatile actor. On the contrary, his portrayal ofu00a0 Barney Panofsky is anything but easy. The beauty of his role is that you cant put him in a nutshell. There are several layers to him that are unveiled through out the film. Be the relationship with his dad, or his ex-wives and their husbands, everything is unconventional and unexpected. The best scenes come when Giamatti and Hoffman sit down and talk. Their chemistry and banter is what makes this film special.

What's not: There are moments when it feels like Barney's life and his story is all over the place, with nothing substantial to make of it. The witty lines and dialogues get too pretentious, bogging down and suffocating the characters rather than setting them free. Why's Barney acting up? What's with his irrational behaviour, the answers lie in his past, but that's explained in a really shoddy way.

What to do: You might not take to Barney instantly, but a little patience might give you a fun insight into what keeps him ticking. Watch it for Giamatti and Hoffman.