Oscar Nominee, Paul Giamatti with Brian Timoney
Last week, I was invited to a special screening of a new film called Barney’s Version starring Paul Giamatti (famous for his role in the film Sideways).
Firstly, this is an amazing film, and Paul turns in an Oscar-winning performance. I predict he will most definitely be nominated for this performance. The film isn’t released in the UK until the end of January 2011.
Paul plays opposite a number of big actors in the film, including Dustin Hoffman.
I got to hang out with Paul after the screening. I was very curious to learn how he got on with Dustin Hoffman. Dustin is renowned for his method performances, and I wondered how he approached this role opposite Paul.
The response was very interesting indeed.
Paul said that working with Dustin Hoffman is like working with Picasso. He said, ‘’Dustin would tear up the scene and put it all back together again, and when they did the final takes it was a completely different type of scene.’’ He goes on, ‘’The man is 73 but has an immense energy. He would stay in character during filming which had its funny moments. His character is a lecherous ex-cop who tells dirty jokes all the time. In between filming takes he would tell dirty jokes to the cast and crew.’’
Hoffman was using tried and tested method acting techniques.
It’s interesting that a man in his seventies, who is regarded as one of the best actors of his generation, still works so hard and diligently at his craft. He no longer NEEDS to – it’s because he WANTS to.
A true acting artist – as is Paul.
I urge you to go and see this amazing film on its first weekend of release in January in the UK. Films like this need to be encouraged and the first weekend is so important for smaller films such as this one.
Send a message to Hollywood that we want to see more great, in-depth, thoughtful work like this by seeing it the weekend of its release.
Best wishes,
Brian