On the weekend we had the opportunity to enjoy the Toronto International Film Festival launch of the movie Barney’s Version based on the novel by famous Canadian author Mordecai Richler. This is my first every TIFF event and it was interesting to hear from the Director, Producer, to see the actors on stage prior to the movie and to hear Mordecai’s wife talk about her husband. She was definitely the most charming speaker of the evening. Interesting enough, Minnie Driver’s demeanour on the stage matched the personality of the character she plays in the movie – which I had not expected at all. Perhaps she was simply uncomfortable with being up front.

I would agree with the reviews, it was a thoroughly enjoyable movie. Funny and poignant. Paul Giamatti was great in his role playing the fatally flawed, some times charming, smooth talking and often loutish Barney. Highly recommended.