by guest writer,
Vicky Cristina Barcelona
One weekend in Oviedo becomes a benchmark in each girl’s love life. Soon the tragicomic reveals itself in the form of Juan Antonio’s ex-wife, Maria Elena (Penélope Cruz). Penélope delivers an exciting performance, she has a passionate temper, but played in an incredibly funny way that makes her character even more loveable.
Javier Aguirresarobe does a great job as a cinematographer, presenting Barcelona and the breathtaking surroundings in a romantic, most beautiful possible way and captures so well the vacation mindset. It’s like you are a tourist yourself watching the film. The amazing cast, with the four distinctive personalities so well interpreted, the real life dialogue and unique Woody Allen humour, all these elements help achieving that feeling that Vicky Cristina Barcelona vividly captures a moment in time.
photos: stills from the film; production credits
It’s difficult sometimes to even figure how you pick your weekend movies? Don’t get me wrong, they are always appropriate and I like every recommendation. What was considered by many critics Woody Allen decline is somehow a good period in my opinion. Vicky Cristina Barcelona redefines the comedy of nowadays and the narration is one of those ingredients waiting in store to twist and turn. Thanks for the wonderful written post and recommendation! I’ve been thinking to watch it once again for some time now.
Elisabeth, every month is usually dedicated to one director. We often focus on classic films, they are my favourites and one of the two things that drove me to start this blog. But I don’t want to rule out other great directors, like the contemporary ones, and I am trying along with my contributor to bring these ones too to our readers’ attention from time to time. 🙂
I adore Penelope Cruz! My mum always said her character in this reminded her of me! I have not yet seen then movie, so have yet to see whether this is a good thing 😉
x
I love this movie so much! It’s so beautifully made – the people, their outfits, little moments like Penelope posing or Penelope in her black hat or the one about Chinese being beautiful… I watch it every time I need to relax and be lost in the story…
Hope you are having a wonderful weekend, darling!
xxx
Natalia, I love Penelope in this film. The way her character is built up before she even makes her entrance and then her great performance. “Say something in Chinese”…”Do you think that’s beautiful?” or the way she just looks at Scarlett or yes, the way she poses for Scarlett. She’s one of the strongest parts of this movie and I was so happy when she won the Oscar for the role. Thank God for Almodovar and Allen for casting her in films in which she can prove her talent. 🙂
I loe this film – it just makes my heart sing 🙂 Thanks for sharing and happy sunday,
Ax
“Say something in Chinese”… Love this movie. It’s so beautifully made
Happy Monday and big hugs to you, Ada
I’ve only seen a little bit of this movie and am yet to see the end… but I loved what I saw. Javier Bardem (whoar)…and Penelope Cruz just steals her scenes. I love the constant verbal exchange that Penelope never lets up on. :)x
One of my favorite movies! The acting was incredible and Penelope was outstanding. And it was just so gorgeous to look at. xoxo
This is actully one of my favourite movies, Ada! I love everything about it, it makes me want to take a trip there straight away though!
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