One of Woody Allen's beautiful, and brilliant ones. What Somerset Maugham does in writing, Allen does in celluloid. Digging into the depths of human nature, into the most seemingly ambivalent, irrational, intriguing spaces.....
He's made over 50 films in as many years...how amazing is that. He should be knighted or some such thing in my opinion. He's simply epic.
He's made over 50 films in as many years...how amazing is that. He should be knighted or some such thing in my opinion. He's simply epic.
It's quirky, it's deep, it's honest.....he seems to pick some bold and hidden thoughts, and have them play out in reality. Offers no judgement, no solutions......just acceptance.....spontaneity all the way round.
Vicky and Cristina are two friends on a summer holiday to Barcelona. While they are the best of friends, and have similar outlooks and thoughts on almost everything, their attitude towards love is diametrically the opposite. Vicky likes her love safe and stable, while Cristina is searching for that wild and untameable romance.
During their holiday, they are approached by the oozing machismo, handsome Juan Antonio (Javier Bardem) for a weekend out, a forthright and honest invite at a first meet, and while Vicky is suitably outraged, Cristina is game. Javier Bardem clearly has immense fun making the offer. They all go.
There's beautiful Barcelona and evolving relationships.
Then steps in the ex wife, Maria Elena, played by Penelope Cruz, an intense, temperamental art genius. It's then evident that Juan and her still share a deep love, yet there's tempestuous, almost violent fights all the time.
Penelope is full of oooomph (intended additional o's) and energy, and seems to just fill the screen with her presence. Scarlett J as Cristina, is good too..... she's after all a favorite, what else would I say (see). There's also very interesting chemistry and attraction between Maria Elena and Cristina.
There's beautiful Barcelona and evolving relationships.
Then steps in the ex wife, Maria Elena, played by Penelope Cruz, an intense, temperamental art genius. It's then evident that Juan and her still share a deep love, yet there's tempestuous, almost violent fights all the time.
Penelope is full of oooomph (intended additional o's) and energy, and seems to just fill the screen with her presence. Scarlett J as Cristina, is good too..... she's after all a favorite, what else would I say (see). There's also very interesting chemistry and attraction between Maria Elena and Cristina.
As always, Allen seems to make anything close to normal pale into boring. Vicky's fiancee is this nice, settled, intelligent, fun loving guy..you know, all the makes of a perfect fit... but he just comes off as so passe when pitched against characters like the bohemian, artisty Juan, or the temperamental Maria Elena, or the passionate Cristina.
And somewhere along, even the safe and stable Vicky can't resist the draw of this bunch, especially of Juan....and it only seems right .
It's an interesting menage a quatre, with it's crazy but fascinating dynamics.
It's an interesting menage a quatre, with it's crazy but fascinating dynamics.
Barcelona, a very significant part of the film, renders itself as another seductive character to the story, especially countryside Barcelona, it's stunningly beautiful.
Strong recommendation to watch... witty, thought provoking, solidly unconventional.....all the way Allen.
Strong recommendation to watch... witty, thought provoking, solidly unconventional.....all the way Allen.
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