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Vicky Cristina Barcelona by Woody Allen

Rebecca Hall, Scarlett Johansson, Penelope Cruz and Javier Bardem Star in New Film

By: - Sep 06, 2008

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    In the newest venture into the mind of Woody Allen, we are whisked away by "Vicky Cristina Barcelona." The cast includes a shy but cute Rebecca Hall as Vicky, a "free-thinker" Scarlett Johannson,  Javier Bardem as the passionate and difficult Juan Antonio, and I hate to sound clichéd, but the fiery chica, Penelope Cruz, as Maria Elena.

    We are immediately brought into the minds of the characters by a voice over which sounded like Matthew Broderick. Admittedly,  there is an affection for the lull created by Allen's waxing poetic on the problems revolving around love.  Initially, it is disappointing not having him narrate the film as usual. Nevertheless,  there is  beautiful cinematography , and Allen's quick wit, especially after sleeping through "Scoop."

         . There are surprising shots that tell us so much without actually saying anything. This is exactly what the artistic aspect of  a film is supposed to do.  Going back to my creative writing classes, I cringe when hearing the "show don't tell" idea being squawked out ad nauseum by professors. But it is probably the most important aspect of writing a script, which Allen conveys so well..

 Specifically, there is a scene where there is a fascination that you see occur within Vicky over Juan Antonio and it is shot evoking the perspective of those twirling teacups in amusement parks.  We can see her as she is taken on a ride of emotions from good to bad. This twirling that occurs is the plausibility of a number of scenarios developing in a confused Vicky's mind; conveyed through a very effective use of cinematography.

 In a scene where Vicky gets swept away, rather then hearing romantic swells in the music, and the kind of close-ups we got from seeing Clark Gable or Cary Grant, we get a stop-motion effect as Antonio leans in for a passionate kiss.  This is almost a meta-realization of movie magic taking place in front of our eyes.

 On yet another effective note, Allen employs very cutting dialogue which usually comes from the ferocious mouth piece of the very Spanish, Maria Elena.  Especially in a moment where she confesses that she looks through Cristina's luggage because she didn't trust her. It is something to the effect of "I had to look in order to make sure that you wouldn't kill me, much like I thought about killing you."

           There are a couple of downsides to this film.  Could this entire movie be boiled down to that stupid Las Vegas tourism commercial?  This element is common in many great movies however; think "Chinatown" the gin joint in "Casablanca" or even "Blame It on Rio."  Of course, when we meet Antonio in the movie his intentions become hilariously clear.  We understand that he is the one that these ladies are supposed to be whisked away by, but it brings up the problem of "other-ing" and exotification.

     Yes he is the embodiment of Spanish seduction, and romance, but this raises a problem  Are they falling in love with Spain, and its exotic culture, or the man?  Does this sound familiar to Woody Allen fans? It should. Think of the paradox in "Bullets Over Broadway." Do you fall in love with the art, or its creator?

 Do these ladies fall in love with Antonio, or just his image?  Javier Bardem was cast to play a blown up, stereotypical version of  Spanish machismo; fiery with temper, and passion. Penelope Cruz's character in the movie magnifies this idea to an almost ridiculous extent.  But then, it is well played, and I am sure that's what Allen wanted.
 
 So am I blowing this exotification idea up to the utmost degree? Probably, but Allen I feel, at this point, is exploiting the notion of romantic Spain it  Is one really supposed to believe that every meal in Barcelona is accompanied with beautiful guitar, a candle-lit ambiance, and delicious wine? Ole.

 The only reason I am saying this is because Allen depicted the Americans in this movie in a really depressing light. In this movie Americans are shown not just as naïve, but as lame as possible, thanks to the role of Doug (played by Chris Messina). Allen shows no one in a happy relationship in this film, and portrays everyone as so caught up with career rather than passion. Apparently, everyone from this movie who is American is doing the New-York financial thing, golf, and, coincidently, they all love their "modern places with a hint of old flair" in Greenwich Village. So Woody, if this is social commentary, we understand.

 On a plus side, however, the difficulties we see in nearly every Allen movie about relationships, appear yet again. However, the characters deal surprisingly well with these issues. Ever since "Annie Hall" we are continuously impressed by Allen even though he admits to not liking his depictions of women. But most women relate to them.

  Another positive feature is we don't have a disdain for artists that was evident in earlier works such as "Sleeper" and "Stardust Memories." There is even a bit of glorification of the artist because they are difficult and much more sympathetic. Especially in the touching scene where Cristina admits that she has lost hope in her art, and "how sad it is because I have so much to say." The audience feels that moment. We have the performance by Johannson to thank for that.

 Although there are problems this movie, it is worth seeing. Especially, for Cruz's masterful sense of humor. Her performance has created a pre-Oscar buzz. Javier Bardem is pretty much The Man.  I really enjoyed Rebecca Hall though she could have easily been substituted for by Jennifer Garner circa "Juno." Scarlett Johansson is a little bland, but conveys moments of clarity. With this well received film Allen might be coming back in the cinematic world.  This film is worth seeing once, maybe again for missed jokes, but not really worth purchasing the DVD. But it is great to see Woody back on his game.