2008, USA
Drama, Romance
Woody Allen loves to throw his characters into uncomfortable situations that they secretly find desirable. In Vicky Cristina Barcelona, the two friends of the title find themselves in the city of the title with all plans for a summer visit thrown up in the air. However, nothing is too chaotic that a little overanalyzing cannot solve.
Vicky is spending time in Barcelona to study the local identity for a Master's thesis. Christina is her impetuous friend, lucky enough to tag along. The audience is informed of this through a tedious narration, and the facts are repeated in both conversations and actions. It would have been nice to discover that the narration was read from one of the girl's memoirs, as an outlet of creativity that they would ultimately tap into during this journey. But no, the narration serves no purpose and detracts from the natural flow in appreciating such a lovely city.
Barcelona is a city sure to inspire anyone with the Antoni Gaudí architecture, the Spanish guitar, the Antoni Gaudí architecture... Allen focuses on landmarks like a tour guide, and though they are certainly worthy of representing the city as a character (as he is wont to do), the sites feel like they have been ticked off of a check list.
Rebecca Hall portrays straight-laced American Vicky, while Woody's most recent muse, Scarlett Johansson, portrays broad-minded Cristina. Approached bluntly by Spanish artist Juan Antonio (Javier Bardem) for a weekend of wine and lovemaking, the two react as would be expected based on the narration concerning their views of love. Engaged to be married, Vicky only goes along to protect her friend, but of course she falls into a drunken tryst that haunts her moral fiber and sends her into denial.
Without qualms, Cristina begins a serious relationship with Juan Antonio, quickly moving in with him and eventually meeting the tormented love of his life, Maria Elena (Penélope Cruz). The three commence a passionate, bohemian relationship that is both sexual and nurturing to their artistic talents. When Vicky's fiancé arrives for a visit, the extreme contrast of Cristina's affair and Vicky's planned lifestyle is of course discussed thoroughly, as is everything.
The improvised conversations present little in spontaneous, enlightening perspectives, and the actors often stumble over their bullet points. Patricia Clarkson has a small role as the girls' host and an older version of Vicky, trapped into sameness and attempting to guide Vicky in a more satisfying direction that she wishes she pursued. Her conversations are more natural than the others and unlike their discussions, she does not sound like she is performing an acting exercise.
Bardem is fitting as the object of everyone's desire but performs best when Cruz enters the picture. Cruz is often a better actress in her native country, and she certainly sets the pace in this film. Wild and passionate, she energizes anyone who shares a scene with her. Her appearance makes much of the introductory mutterings feel like wasted space, needing to be trimmed for her more direct delivery.
Though fresh approaches are appreciated, Allen's film could use a little guidance – such as a good script. The story is there but needs a focus other than Johansson and Cruz making out. Allen's next film is titled, Whatever Works -- let's hope that's not his new mantra.