27 May 2012

Vicky Cristina Barcelona (2008)

by guest writer,

Vicky Cristina Barcelona has all the ingredients of a Woody Allen movie: the complicated relationships, the seriously amusing narration, the conflict that takes place in the art world, the bohemian characters vs the conservative ones. Two best friends, Vicky (Rebecca Hall) and Cristina (Scarlett Johansson), are vacationing in Barcelona for the summer. What makes the two friends related is each one’s spirit of restless indetermination. Does Vicky really want to marry her fiancé and lead a dull life with him? Does Cristina have any artistic talent? One thing that they know they don’t have in common is their taste in men. Until they meet Juan Antonio (Javier Bardem), when all sorts of mixed feelings take over.

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

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10 Responses to Vicky Cristina Barcelona (2008)

  1. Elisabeth Ruth wrote on
    --> 27 May 2012 at 2:10 pm

    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.

    • classiq wrote on
      --> 27 May 2012 at 5:41 pm

      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. 🙂

  2. Toni Yvonne wrote on
    --> 27 May 2012 at 3:28 pm

    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

  3. LittleRus wrote on
    --> 27 May 2012 at 5:01 pm

    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

    • classiq wrote on
      --> 27 May 2012 at 5:32 pm

      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. 🙂

  4. Anya adores wrote on
    --> 27 May 2012 at 9:51 pm

    I loe this film – it just makes my heart sing 🙂 Thanks for sharing and happy sunday,
    Ax

  5. design elements wrote on
    --> 28 May 2012 at 7:34 am

    “Say something in Chinese”… Love this movie. It’s so beautifully made

    Happy Monday and big hugs to you, Ada

  6. Helen @ TheStyleSchedule wrote on
    --> 28 May 2012 at 10:42 am

    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

  7. Dawn {The Alternative Wife} wrote on
    --> 30 May 2012 at 5:50 pm

    One of my favorite movies! The acting was incredible and Penelope was outstanding. And it was just so gorgeous to look at. xoxo

  8. Lana wrote on
    --> 1 June 2012 at 12:43 am

    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!