Vicky Cristina Barcelona DVD Review
This drama (billed as a romantic comedy) was written and directed by Woody Allen and is about Vicky (Rebecca Hall) and Cristina (Scarlett Johansson). The two young American girls travel to Catalonia for the summer–Vicky is studying for her master’s degree in “Catalan identity”, thus she needs the research, and Cristina is there to soak up the sun and keep her company.
Early in their stay, the girls meet a dark, suave, charming, mysterious and rich abstract painter, Juan Antonio (Javier Bardem), who within seconds of approaching the girls suggests a threesome. The girls allow themselves to be whisked away for the weekend, but things get complicated when Juanís mentally unstable ex-wife, Maria Elena (PenÈlope Cruz), reappears. Vicky’s fiancÈ, Doug (Chris Messina), joins the girls, but too late, as his bride to be has already been swept up in seduction. Meanwhile, Cristina joins Juan Antonio and Maria Elena in an unconventional three-way relationship, as well as dabbles in photography.
Much like Allenís 2006 work, Match Point (his first film made in England), followed by Scoop (2006) and Cassandraís Dream (2007), the director branches out again, only this time Spain is the backdrop.
Once again, Allenís ìmuseî Johansson (The Other Boleyn Girl, The Prestige, Match Point, Scoop, Lost in Translation) plays a pivotal role and deftly handles Cristinaís fickle pickle personality. Bardem (No Country for Old Men) does well in yet another role that is sure to put him on Americaís radar, albeit for a slightly different reason than his creepy No Country role. Cruz (Elegy, The Good Night, Volver) does a good job playing the fiery/crazy ex-lover, and Hall plays the role of the confused engaged to be married romantic ideals woman well enough (although one wonders why Allen didnít cast Kate Beckinsale in the role that was clearly made for her). Messina (Made Of Honor, ìSix Feet Underî) holds his own in his minor role as the American fiancÈe who doesnít realize he may be losing his bride to be to the competition. The film also stars Patricia Clarkson (Elegy, Lars And The Real Girl, ìSix Feet Underî) and Kevin Dunn (Lions For Lambs).
Allenís choice of voiceover commentary (spoken by Christopher Evan Welch, who acted in The Good Shepherd, The Hoax, and War of The Worlds), might irritate some, but I found the monotone commentary akin to nature shows, as in ìsee the girls dining, now see the large man prey upon themÖî You get the idea.
Vicky Cristina Barcelona is rated PG-13 ìfor mature thematic material involving sexuality, and smoking.î It has a 96-minte run time, and is presented in 1.85 : 1 aspect ratio with audio in Dolby Digital mono in Catalan, English and Spanish, and subtitles in English and Spanish.
The crux of Vicky Cristina Barcelona is about the differing viewpoints of love. While Cristina tends to start things, lose interest, and then move on to something new, Vicky has passion that she buries in order to feel safe and secure in relationships. In the end, whoís to say whoís right or wrong? To each their own, in love.
I give Vicky Cristina Barcelona 3 stars out of 5 stars.