Paul Giamatti gives a bravura performance as an blustering Canadian TV producer over four decades in the delightful and touching “Barney’s Version,” which Sony Pictures Classics will release for Oscar consideration before the end of the year.

Based on Mordecai Richler’s last novel, Richard J. Lewis’ last film focuses on Barney’s stormy life, which includes the suicide of his first wife and the disappearance of his alcoholic best friend (Scott Speedman), who Barney finds in a compromising position with his vulgar (but wealthy) second wife (Minnie Driver).

The film is largely set in Montreal’s Jewish community, with Dustin Hoffman cast as Barney’s colorful retired cop dad; Hoffman’s real-life son Jake plays his grandson in the movie.

“Barney’s Version” is overflowing with incidents, but the main thread is the stormy relationship between Barney and his third wife (Rosamund Pike, excellent), who he meets and falls in love with during his second wedding party.