Lyzsi SinclairVicky Christina Barcelona
Vicky Christina Barcelona (2008)
Director: Woody Allen
Starring: Scarlett Johansson, Rebecca Hall, Javier Bardem, Penelope Cruz
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There are certain things that seem easy to predict in a Woody Allen film. An angst-driven plot revolving around love, sex and identity; a range of laughs, from the subtle ‘was that a joke?’ style of humour to screwball giggles; and Woody’s oddly comforting, albeit somewhat neurotic, voice as narrator. Vicky Christina Barcelona delivers on some of these counts, but is less a ‘trademark’ Woody Allen film than many of his previous movies.
Vicky (Rebecca Hall), who is writing a thesis on ‘Catalan Identity’, travels to Barcelona with the intention of viewing the architecture of Gaudi, listening to Spanish guitar, and finalizing the research for her Masters degree. Her long-time friend Christina (Scarlett Johansson), fresh from a breakup and a failed film project, travels alongside her with the hope of enjoying some new experiences. That the two women have vastly different views on love and relationships is made clear from the outset. Stable and sensible Vicky is engaged to a ‘good man’, Doug, and looks forward to a life involving children, home-ownership, and weekend games of bridge with other suitably grounded couples. Christina prefers to eschew the ‘cookie cutter’ lifestyle in search of exciting liaisons with interesting characters, and does not fear the absence of a predictable happily-ever-after.
When lustful Spanish artist Juan Antonio (Javier Bardem) approaches the two women in a restaurant to invite them away for a weekend of sightseeing, fine wine, and debauchery, Vicky is appalled but gives way to Christina’s unbridled enthusiasm. The time spent by the three of them in the Spanish town of Oviedo begins an exploration by each character of the meaning of love, lust, commitment, and relationships.
The film moves us quickly, at times, through the storyline, propelled by an almost urgent narration supplied (surprisingly) not by Woody Allen, but by actor Christopher Evan Welch. Although Mr Allen is for the most part happy to let the actors tell the story in Vicky Christina Barcelona, he hasn’t yet dispensed with the need for linking narrative jumps with copious explanation. And with fine performances from all main players, the narrative seems somewhat redundant in most cases.
Penelope Cruz, as Juan Antonio’s ex-wife Maria Elena, gives a stunning performance as a passionate, tortured, and slightly crazy artist. Javier Bardem also shines with a naturalness and complexity that is occasionally threatened (but not overcome) by the occasional inflated pronouncements and studied eloquence peppered throughout the script. Despite our finer instincts, we are left wondering whether Juan Antonio is a sly predator or genuinely charming; whether he is a victim or a conqueror. Barcelona is a star in its own right in Vicky Christina Barcelona, and the predominance of sun-drenched cathedrals, Gaudi architecture, and tiny picturesque alleyways prevents us from failing to understand the importance of the setting to the unfolding story.
Vicky Christina Barcelona is a melancholy comedy, and the conclusion leaves us wondering whether the characters have gone full-circle or if they have been propelled by the events in Barcelona to a less satisfying worldview. I don’t recommend seeing this film on a date, unless you want to spend your post-movie discussion awkwardly assessing your own views on the transience of love and the value of commitment. Woody Allen has delivered something special, delightful, and slightly sad with Vicky Christina Barcelona.
7.5 out of 10
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