Go See ‘Vicky Cristina Barcelona’
“I’ve often said: the only thing standing between me and greatness…is me.” - Woody Allen
Woody Allen’s new movie, Vicki Cristina Barcelona, is not just my favorite movie of the summer, it’s one of my new all-time favorite movies. And it just came out a few days ago.
I love when that happens!
Do you know the feeling when you experience a book, movie, or piece of music, and you instantly love it as if it were always part of you?
That’s how I feel about this movie. I want to re-experience it again and again.
It’s not The Godfather or Lawrence of Arabia. It doesn’t try to be.
It’s a lighthearted romantic drama, an escape movie, a fantasy. It feels effortless. For what it is, it’s perfect.
It examines real-world dilemmas about love; specifically romantic love vs. practical love.
It’s absorbing and fun, full of surprises, with great acting and dialogue.
The actors and scenery are beautiful to look at, and the soundtrack is terrific (Spanish guitar - you can buy it on iTunes).
The plot? Two best friends, Vicky (practical) and Cristina (free-spirit) visit Barcelona for the summer, where they meet Juan Antonio, a dashing painter who whisks them away to his world of beauty, art, and wild passion. But this Don Juan is no cliche; he surprises you because he’s decent and honest.
Critics say this isn’t one of Allen’s best; that it isn’t as important as Annie Hall or Crimes and Misdemeanors. True - he hasn’t reinvented the wheel, but that isn’t his intention.
To me, it’s a terrific example of how great art can happen when you don’t try to be great…when you’re just having fun doing what excites you.
And say what you want about Allen as a person, but here’s what Woody Allen does:
He makes 1 movie every year. For forty years.
Anyway - go see it on the big screen. I think you’ll enjoy it.
Thoughts? Leave a comment.
I am SO glad to read this review! I love Woody Allen, and his last few have had way to much murder and way too much Scarlet Johannson!
However, throw in Javier Bardem and Barcelona and how could it not be fabulous. I was thinking about watching it this weekend, but I didn’t because I just didn’t want ti to be a disappointment. Now I may have to go see it tonight!!!
I absolutely LOVE Woody Allen. LOVE. He is one of my all-time favorite directors/writers/actors, ever. I can’t wait to see it.
D’Arcy - of course in this one Cristina is played by Scarlet Johannson, but she’s great in it, and Javier Bardem is awesome. Hope you like it!
Ophelia - Yeah, Woody’s movies are mostly gems aren’t they? I admire his work and work ethic so much.
Hi Mark,
I saw the previews to this. Now I’ve read your review. I’ll have to put it on my list of “must sees”
I like how you reviewed it through the eyes of an artist.
If you give it a thumbs up, I am tasting popcorn.
Thanks!
Heading to see it this weekend!
Thanks for sharing your impression of the film.
Yes! I just went to saw it yesterday and thought about my slip up as I saw Scarlet appear on the screen! I was thinking that Penelope Cruz’s name was Vicky Christina (although she did have two names in the film) and it was a love story between her and Javier Bardem (so different from his Dorothy Hamill haircut in No Country for Old Men).
I was utterly and completely satisfied with this film, especially the ending!
D’Arcy - thanks for the update! I know; Bardem’s character couldn’t be more different than in “No Country…”. So glad you liked the movie. I’ve already seen it twice and look forward to a third helping.