Based on a novel by Mordecai Richler, this is a showcase for the talents of Paul Giamatti. He plays Barney Panofsky, a TV producer who marries often, yet only falls in love once, and is accused of the murder of his best friend (Scott Speedman). It also features a terrific performance from Dustin Hoffman as Barney’s dad, a retired policeman who will say anything he wants at the dinner table. Rosamund Pike gets her best role yet as Miriam, the subject of Barney’s love. The film is quite expansive—and might try to cover a bit too much. Still, Giamatti and Hoffman are so good that you might forgive the film’s shortcomings.