For an actor who has been praised for playing a sad-sack wine snob (Sideways), a socially backward everyman (American Splendor), an irascible leader (HBO's John Adams), even a gloomy actor named 'Paul Giamatti' (Cold Souls), Paul Giamatti would still have a diverse oeuvre if you only counted his onscreen cranks. Perhaps the most complicated of the bunch would be Giamatti's role in the new film Barney's Version, for which he has been nominated for a Golden Globe:
Based on Mordecai Richler's award winning novel—his last and, arguably, best—BARNEY'S VERSION is the warm, wise and witty story of the politically incorrect life of Barney Panofsky (Giamatti), who meets the love of his life at his wedding—and she is not the bride. 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.
His first wife, Clara (Rachelle Lefevre), is 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. 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 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.
Sitting down together at the Crosby Street Hotel in NYC, Giamatti and I extolled the hidden virtues of the quick-tempered Barney, then discussed the actor's desire for vice, naked existential fear, what attracts him to playing curmudgeonly souls, and whether Lady in the Water was misunderstood.
To listen to the podcast, click here. (13:58)
[WARNING: One minor plot point spoiled herein.]
Podcast Music
INTRO: Heyoka: 'Big Bud Barney'
OUTRO: Barney from The Simpsons: 'A Boozehound Named Barney'
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