The yearning adventurer in us all should always find a certain level of attraction to Woody Allen's features regardless of narrative. I personally am not a fan of his early efforts, but I could always appreciate how beautifully he could portray cities and skylines, making the mundane seem mysteriously exotic. His latest efforts have all focused on the European lure, portraying Eden-like beauty among the sights and sounds of places such as Paris and Rome. Here, we're taken through the rich culture of Barcelona, with a narrative as our guide and an attractive cast in performance and looks. A true feast for the eyes.
Alongside the look of everything, there's some beautiful background music that transports you to a realm of pleasure, as if you're experiencing live down La Rambla. This aspect especially helps paint a fairytale like image of Barcelona that enchants viewers as it does its visitors. Beautiful sights, beautiful sounds, beautiful people. It's an exotic gateway that we all want to run through.
The narrative is fairly simple, making way for as much human interrelation as possible. Vicky (Rebecca Hall) and Christina (Scarlett Johannsson) are two friends, completely different in personality and history who have set off for a summer in Barcelona. Here they run into Antonia (Javier Bardem), a promiscuous artist recovering after an unhealthy break up with Elena (Penelope Cruz). Such begins an odd love square that crosses and weaves constantly, drifting seamlessly between the romantic and erotic. All enhanced by the surroundings in which they reside.
The cast, probably chosen for their beauty over their acting prowess, only added to the lustful nature the film provides. Scarlett Johannson and Penelope Cruz epitomise on screen beauty. Shame no words I have could describe their beauty in the same way as Bardem does with his quick tongue. He plays the role of seducer with ease, garnering our sympathies while at the same time capturing the passion of a whirlwind romance. A fine example of his talents once again. Though the other three females are decent in their roles, they aren't anything but legs for Bardem to stand upon.
Just as in other previous Woody Allen movies like Midnight in Paris, or similar films like Richard Linklater's Before Sunrise, these European settings, especially for Americans, hold an escapist look into a free spirited experience that is so different from their way of life, so enchanting and distant. The character of Vicky is shown deciding between her desires and her real world acceptances. This underlying thought of acting on impulse is a nice one to ponder, and fits in with the beautiful setting enveloping this cast. It urges you to experience it for yourself, despite any ties, and discover something truly amazing. From this review you can tell I'm an avid promoter for the free spirited traveler, and one day soon I hope to experience something just as fantastical. Surely there's a Penelope out there for us all...
Director: Woody Allen
Run Time: 96 Minutes
Release Year: 2008
Nationality: Spain/United States
IMDB Rating: 7.2
My Grade:
B-
If you like this you may also like: Before Sunrise
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