VICKY CRISTINA BARCELONA: REVIEW
Director
Woody Allen's fourth consecutive film made outside the US is a saucy romp, a romance
of Don Juan proportions, only to be turned on its head by the unpredictable and
constantly hilarious script.
Two American students, Vicky
(Rebecca Hall) and Cristina (Scarlett Johansson) are on vacation in gorgeous Spain.
While sitting back enjoying a good glass of red, they are approached by Jose,
a mature painter who invites them back to a little place called Oviedo to experience
some sightseeing, drink copious amounts of wine and partake in endless lovemaking.
Vicki
has a fiancé back in New York. Cristina warns him he has to seduce her.
As may be expected, both are indeed seduced by smooth operator Jose and soon there's
more than just tapa's on the menu. Vicky sweeps the fling under the carpet, for
now, while Cristina thinks he's the perfect man or is that Mr. right now? However,
both have definitely fallen for his charms but it is Cristina that he spends the
most 'quality' time with.
Holiday happiness is abruptly put
on hold upon the arrival of Jose's vibrant ex, Maria Elena (Penelope Cruz). This
foul mouthed messed up tart achieves the double of successfully throwing herself
back at her ex and also taking his new flame as her own new lover. Yes, this is
the moment which made headlines at the Cannes film festival, Penelope Cruz and
Scarlett Johansson have a long, deep, wet kiss that seems to last all night.
Ok
back to the plot...the arrival of Vicky's groom to be throws even more chaos to
the wind and everyone in this raunchy rendezvous come together in one big amusing
standoff.
Vicky Cristina Barcelona is strong in witty dialogue
that fans of the cinematic genius director will remember well. From his brilliant
'Hannah & Her Sisters' or 'Mighty Aphrodite', there's even hints of 'Annie
Hall' in Allen's new muse, the enigmatic Johansson. Aside from the swooning Spaniard,
the against type Bardem (Oscar winner for 'No Country For Old Men'), this thought-provoking,
funny and alert film belongs to amazing Penelope Cruz. Scene stealing every moment,
commanding every second of screen time, like an out of control doll that's been
wound up too far, she gives a hair flicking, chain smoking stamp of authenticity
to this wayward character. Cringing with anticipation of what she is going to
do next, the characters around her show tense emotion which creates for some amusing
reactions.
A good story, wonderful unique locales, Spanish
guitars heating up the soundtrack and that kiss, a hybrid moment to remember in
a breezy film that offers so much more than your average comed. Originality with
a touch of evil.
Shane A. Bassett
