VICKY CRISTINA BARCELONA – Javier Bardem, Penélope Cruz – d: Woody Allen
Vicky Cristina Barcelona (2008)
Direction and Screenplay: Woody Allen. Cast: Javier Bardem, Penélope Cruz, Scarlett Johansson, Rebecca Hall, Patricia Clarkson, Kevin Dunn, Chris Messina
I saw Woody Allen’s latest film at its Canadian premiere at the 32nd Montreal World Film Festival to a sold-out crowd in the beautiful Italian Renaissance-styled Imperial Theatre. The audience — people of all ages and types — had been there for nearly an hour before the show started.
Now, one thing I have been hearing or reading a lot about new Woody Allen films is that people long for the "old" Woody. They complain that new Woody Allen films are not really Woody Allen films. Well, I hate those comments. It is so easy for audience members to get stuck on early feats such as Annie Hall or Manhattan and to never move emotionally or intellectually forward with the director’s vision.
Now, I will not say that Anything Else is on a par with Annie Hall, or any other of the earlier features. But I will back anything that Allen creates because I trust his passion and honesty. His films may not all be classics, but they are Woody Allen works. And at the rate he’s been making them, one cannot expect a classic once (sometimes twice) a year. Instead, what you can expect is that Allen will entertain you for 90 minutes or more, and that he’ll make you think. His work is always cerebral; it’s also always interesting and engaging. Vicky Cristina Barcelona is all that — and a little bit more.
A game that many Woody Allen aficionados play is "Spot the Woody Allen Character." In Vicky Cristina Barcelona the "Woody Allen character" is divided into at least three characters: Vicky (Rebecca Hall), Christina (Scarlett Johansson), and the off-screen narrator (Christopher Evan Welch). To me, the narrator, in particular, represents Allen’s writer’s persona. The narrator guides the story as it closely follows an American short-story tradition: Americans touring Europe (in this case, Spain), being young and impressionable, and on the cusp of adulthood.
The film, which is filled with marvelous Gaudi structures and beautiful pieces of art and architecture, begins with Vicky and Christina arriving in Barcelona to spend the summer with Vicky’s aunt and uncle Judy and Mark (Patricia Clarkson, Kevin Dunn). Right away, the young women are instantly set apart from each other. Their contrasting characteristics go deeper than just the color of their hair (one brunette, one blonde); what truly separates Vicky and Christina is how they deal with love and relationships. Each, in fact, represents one half of that "Woody Allen character": nervous, analytical, romantic, lustful. Vicky, who is engaged to Doug (Chris Messina), fully believes in the idea of romantic commitment. Christina, a struggling artist just out of a relationship, is looking for something with fewer constraints and more adventure.
Through one of their night outings they meet artist Juan Antonio (Javier Bardem), who challenges their friendship and Vicky’s ideas of commitment. Christina, for her part, quickly falls for Juan Antonio, joining his circle of artist friends, and eventually she moves in with him. Complicating matters, Juan’s ex-wife, Maria Elena (Penélope Cruz), has to move in with the new couple. The three form a bond that, though seemingly complex, is actually quite natural and easy. (This, of course, leads to Cruz and Johansson’s on-screen kiss, which has caused so much needless publicity. Since the kiss perfectly fits the storyline and does not last very long, I’m not sure why some people have gone up in arms about it.)
Ultimately, Allen inspires feelings of guilt and jealousy among his characters in a remarkably honest manner. Ideas about art and love, truthfulness and raw emotion come through in gentle and subtle ways. In fact, the entire film unfolds in a manner that surely is supposed to make audience members think about their own personal relationships.
Vicky Cristina Barcelona, which seems to bookend Allen’s European travels, is one of the director’s best films in recent years. With scenes of New York City creeping in, Vicky Cristina Barcelona is setting Allen fans up for his return to his hometown. His next, Whatever Works, starring Larry David and Evan Rachel Wood, is scheduled for a 2009 release.
All in all, Vicky Cristina Barcelona is the perfect film to end Allen’s long European vacation.
© Keith Waterfield
Comments
3 Responses to “VICKY CRISTINA BARCELONA – Javier Bardem, Penélope Cruz – d: Woody Allen”
Leave a Reply
NOTE:
All comments are moderated and may take some time before they are posted. Different views and opinions are welcome, but courtesy is imperative. Rude/crass/bigoted comments and name-calling of any sort will be immediately deleted.
Also, please be aware that the Alternative Film Guide has no contact information for the talent mentioned in this blog and no information pertaining to or access to distributors'/producers' film prints.
Hello Allen’s fans! If you enjoyed the glamorous boho background Barcelona city provides to Vicky Cristina Barcelona plot, we have great news for you – we have just launched our Vicky Cristina Barcelona Tour visiting the movie locations in Barcelona. Enjoy the Mediterranean culture while sipping Spanish wine, dining in style or nibbling on tapas, the same as Vicky and Cristina did.While we cannot guarantee you’ll be seduced by Scarlet Johansson, Rebecca Hall, Penelope Cruz or Javier Bardem on your own trip, we will guarantee that the scenery of Barcelona and the Catalan countryside surrounding will, just like it does in this sensual film. Just a few words about us – we are a highly specialized Spanish travel agency for luxury tours with a focus on culinary, wine and cultural opportunities. For more info, please browse our website http://www.gourmandbreaks.com
Ein großartiger Film der letzte Woody Allen. Wenngleich dieser Text hier hinsichtlich der Grammatik noch einmal überarbeitet werden sollte. Er ist auf die Dauer kaum lesbar.
The German translation is performed automatically.