Movie Review: Vicky Cristina Barcelona
By / /
Woody Allen is back with a vengeance in his latest film Vicky Cristina Barcelona, a charming look at modern relationships. The film takes place in Barcelona, but like many Woody Allen films, the city is used as another secondary character. Gone are the days of Woody Allen’s earlier comedic romps with Bananas, Sleepers, and Everything You Always Wanted To Know About Sex, But Were Afraid To Ask. In the last decade, Allen has seemed to find himself and isn’t looking for the quick joke or funny one liner to get him through a difficult scene. Woody delivers one of his finest efforts to date.
Scarlett Johannson, Penelope Cruz, Javier Bardem, and Rebecca Hall star in this intimate story of the ultimate search for a passionate love. Woody explores themes that he has only touched upon in earlier work from Annie Hall to Manhattan. Here, he searches deeper and poses more questions then answers, but that’s the whole point. Can you have a passionate, crazy love that doesn’t end? Is it always doomed? Is it better to play it safe?
All the characters lives weave in and out of each other so beautifully that it’s hard to let them go when the credits roll. Cristina, played by Scarlett, is at her best with a role that seems perfectly tailored for her; and indeed it was written for her by Woody himself. She doesn’t just rely on her sensuality to get her through each scene, although trust us, it doesn’t hurt. She is clearly Mr. Allen’s muse as she struggles to find her search for true love. The journey in itself is the entire story. Her best friend, played by Rebecca Hall, is the opposite of the free thinking Cristina, but is equally entranced by the same man, Javier Bardem. Penelope Cruz chews up the scenes around her as the crazy ex-wife, who represents the passionate love that can never be quite fulfilled.
But, with all of the film’s symbolism and deeper meaning, Woody doesn’t let us down when it counts. Yes, it has deeply funny moments even with all of its romantic idealism. Plus, and most importantly, Penelope and Scarlett make out. Yes, it was awesome. Don’t get into an accident racing to the theater. But, do hurry. It won’t be here long and this film deserves to be seen. Rock on, Woody.
Comments