Paul Giamatti lovably fumes through Barney’s Version

The cornucopia of interesting surprises continues to overflow this month, with the trailer for a film we keep hearing about but had scant evidence to assess until recently.

THR: Acclaimed Canadian author Mordecai Richler’s last and arguably greatest novel, “Barney’s Version,” has been transformed into a highly entertaining and arguably the most satisfying Richler screen adaptation to date.The impeccably cast confessional, with a pitch-perfect Paul Giamatti leading the way, nimbly traverses the four decades in its lead character’s eventful life with considerable exuberance, visual flair and, ultimately, grace.

…As he demonstrated with his roles in “Sideways” and “American Splendor,” Giamatti excels at playing difficult curmudgeons, but in “Barney’s Version,” he also possesses a stubborn vulnerability that’s indispensable to the film’s palpable poignancy.

Another less nimble trailer appeared a month ago, and you can check it out after the cut. (Thanks Jun).