Paul Giamatti recently won the Golden Globe Award for his performance in this film. While it was richly deserved, I don't think the film is much of a comedy.
I often wonder if people really think before they make big decisions in their life. Especially when it comes to marriage. They choose a partner who is comfortable then wonder later why they are no longer in love. The first two marriages that Barney has are not decisions that he makes carefully. His abrasive personality also makes me wonder how women fall for him. His pursuit of Mirium is a good example. He meets her at his wedding then keeps pursuing her until he is able to get a divorce. Admittedly his divorce is because of his wife's infidelity but still. Despite that this is an excellent adult drama about the life of a man with a complicated love life. It is interesting that when he does meet the woman of his dreams that he stuffs up that relationship too. Too many men do not know when they have a good thing. I've never understood the concept of infidelity. You still come to care for this guy and his complex personality. He is a really interesting character. Something you don't see in films much these days. There is also an excellent mystery as well to make things even more interesting.
Paul Giamatti is one of the best actors working today. While he does essentially play the same sort of character in each film he does, he does it so well that you don't mind. This type of film though gives him more time to develop the character so you come to care for him more. Minnie Driver is excellent as his second wife. Rosamund Pike is nicely understated comparatively speaking as his third wife. Dustin Hoffman is wonderful as Barney's dad.
One of those excellent adult dramas that presents an interesting character with an interesting life. Something you don't get to see much of these days.
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