2009 May 12 Title: Vicky Christina Barcelona (2008)
Starring: Javier Bardem, Scarlett Johansson, Penelope Cruz, Rebbecca Hall
Written and Directed by: Woody Allen
Score: 7.6 out of 10
Woody Alan the master American director explores the human desire for fulfillment in his latest movie. Two friends Scarlett Johansson and Rebbecca Hall move to Barcelona, Spain. Vicky is there to study about Spanish culture while Christina is there to spend the summer. They are introduced to a local painter Antonio who is lately estranged from his wife and is rumored that she tried to kill him On an afternoon Javier meets the 2 ladies and asks them to join him on a private flight to a nearby vacation spot. By way of enticing them he says very casually that the two women are beautiful, they could do some art, all three can have good wine, food and go to bed together. Vicky is shocked to hear this innovative pick up line but Christina is so enamored by the brashness and celebrity of the painter (Bardem) that she is eager to go. She thinks he is interesting .
It should be mentioned here that she has just ended her umpteenth relationship and is always on the look out for a new relationship. Vicky considers her an idiot and is almost protective of her. But Christina is so hungry for romance and that 'perfect man' she convinces Vicky to go with her.
What follows is a serious look at the lives of people who do not fit the model of a 'normal' everyday human being. Vicky is there as the normal everyday person to contrast Christina. But Woody Alan is such a master of human mind games that he has served up a beautiful movie, well acted and off course funny in a wry sort of way.
The movie uses music, art, food, familial relationships and the bohemian feel of Spanish Europe to navigate through the labyrinth of human mind. As we wade through the murky, dark, dull and unexpected turns and twists inside this labyrinth we come across emotions and reactions from the characters which are unexpected but understandable at the same time. The characters have fears, confusion, greed and lust. All of which makes us like the characters.
What the movie succeeds to do is to take us through the upheavals of the characters, show us the roller coaster ride they go through and make us realize that our minds and lives are in fact a roller coaster. But at the end of the movie I felt that the roller coaster ride is protected by the cushion of human behavior and bonds.
All the leading actors have giving beautiful and natural performance. I found Xavier Bardem's character to be very likable. It is to his credit that he makes it likable despite the traits of the character. Penelope Cruz shows that she needs to be take seriously. Scarlett is now a seasoned actress and she does great without stealing the show which is the hall mark of good actor. But for me the memorable character was Vicky played by the English actor Rebbecca Hall who had notable roles in The Prestige and Frost/Nixon. She displays so many emotions in her eyes, especially in the last scene that it is hard not be swayed.
Woody Alan is simply coasting along giving movies after good movies. The music adds to the color and artistry seen in the visuals with Spain's beautiful vineyards, country side and life in general showing elegance in every turn. Photography and Art Direction have done a great job in lifting up this movie to a higher plane.
This movie gets 7.5 out of 10
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