Barney's Version Preview/Synopsis

January 14

Directed by Richard J. Lewis ( CSI ) and starring Paul Giamatti, Dustin Hoffman, Rosamund Pike, Minnie Driver, Scott Speedman, Saul Rubiek, Bruce Greenwood, Rachel Lefevre, Mark Addy and Jake Hoffman. Written by Michael Konyves ( Storm Cell ) Cinematography by Guy Dufaux ( The Trotsky ) Editing by Susan Shipton ( Being Julia, The Sweet Hereafter ) Original score by Pasquale Calalano (The Sicilian Girl )

Premise: The story is written as if it is an autobiography by Barney Panofsky ( Giamatti ) recounting his life in varying detail. At the end of the book he is diagnosed with Alzheimer's Disease, explaining his previous memory lapses and footnote corrections by his son Michael. Barney's version of events may be viewed as that of two unreliable narrators', in that his recollections are told from varying mental states and then posthumously edited by his son. Underlying the story of Barney's three marriages is the mysterious disappearance of his friend Boogie. Though there is no body, police suspect murder, and Barney himself is tried but acquitted of murder. An explanation for the mystery is given at the novel's end

Rated R for language and some sexual content 132 min.

Oscar chances ? I used to think that maybe Giamatti and Hoffman had a slight chance but given no attention during the precursor awards this month, I'd be surprised if the film received any Oscar nominations just because of that.