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Vicky Cristina Barcelona

When Woody Allen releases a new film, people tend to sit up and take note. That may not have happened in the recent past - with disappointing flicks such as Match Point and Scoop – but with Vicky Cristina Barcelona, Allen has opted for an interesting, breezy, and ultimately alluring romantic comedy.

The director and writer tells the tale of two American women who spend a summer in Barcelona. Vicky (Rebecca Hall) is working on a master's in Catalan identity, and with the artistic, footloose and fancy-free Cristina (Scarlett Johansson) by her side, the duo embark on Spain's second city.

One evening, the women receive a proposition from Juan Antonio Gonzalo (Javier Bardem), a divorced artist who had a tempestuous relationship with his ex-wife, Maria Elena (Penélope Cruz), to join him for a weekend in Oviedo – one that Cristina jumps at, but the engaged Vicky initially declines. Such is his persuasive nature, the trio fly to the city, where their lives entwine and questions of desire follow.

vicky cristina barcelona film review movies cinema woody allen

Vicky Cristina Barcelona doesn't really opt for laugh out loud moments, nor does it look for quick solutions to affairs of the heart. The latter is refreshing as it goes against the grain of typical Hollywood romantic comedies. And with Allen at the helm, the trashy romcom ideal has been replaced with an air of sophistication.

The script is lacking in areas, and not all cast members shine brightly. Johansson's character may be carefree about her views on love but that's not backed up with any passion. When Juan Antonio has his ex-wife stay over you'd expect some jealousy, but it doesn't materialise. Also, Hall's character starts well in opposition to the charms of Juan Antonio, but in falling for him, she unsuccessfully expresses the feelings of a woman who's had her perspective on life altered.

Bardem, however, brings plenty of smouldering charm to the role of Juan Antonio, and his dark, brooding manner reflects everything that his character should be. His first encounter with Vicky and Cristina is priceless, and the passion he conveys throughout is mesmerising.

But it's Cruz's performance as Maria Elena that is rightfully taking the plaudits. When she emerges she lights up the screen with a capricious verve of inexplicable passion. Cruz's character is sexy, emotional, erratic and jealous, and her rambunctious nature shoots a bullet of desire right back into a film that would certainly be average without her.

96 mins
Dir: Woody Allen
Starring: Rebecca Hall, Scarlet Johansson, Javier Bardem, Penelope Cruz

Stacey McIntosh

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