I just went to see Woody Allen's latest film, Vicky Cristina Barcelona, and I don't really know if I like it. It's got an amazing cast and setting, and yet it fails to enthuse .
The thing is, I have mixed feelings towards Allen's filmography, probably because of its irregularity -some films are just great, while others are unbearable. And then there is a third cathegory, where I would place works such as Cassandra's Dream or VCB, that consists of Woody Allen films one doesn't know what to make of.
To me, the main problem would be that the storyline in VCB doesn't really make sense. The twists in the plot are often implausible, and the relationships between the characters are absurdly cliché-ridden: hot-blooded Spaniards, red-wine fueled bursts of passion, even attempted murder (obviously caused by jealousy). I expected Woody Allen to see through these lieus communs and into the real Spain, Catalunya and, ultimately, Barcelona, and I felt disappointed.
This said, the film does have its perks. The atmosphere there develops is, albeit unreal, irresistibly appealing: the funny lines, the painter's studio, Javier Bardem's boldfaced seduction of the girls... But the two things that make it wortht the price of the ticket are Barcelona and Penélope Cruz. The city is portrayed beautifully, and it makes for a very charming setting. And Penélope's character, the violent Maria Elena, totally steals the show with her authenticity and irrationality, as well as with her bitchy comments in Spanish, mostly for the benefit of Bardem.
To sum it up, this is not the best film you'll ever see, nor the best film Woody Allen has ever made. However, if you feel like taking in a light comedy with a bonus trip around Barcelona, then don't hesitate to see it.
The thing is, I have mixed feelings towards Allen's filmography, probably because of its irregularity -some films are just great, while others are unbearable. And then there is a third cathegory, where I would place works such as Cassandra's Dream or VCB, that consists of Woody Allen films one doesn't know what to make of.
To me, the main problem would be that the storyline in VCB doesn't really make sense. The twists in the plot are often implausible, and the relationships between the characters are absurdly cliché-ridden: hot-blooded Spaniards, red-wine fueled bursts of passion, even attempted murder (obviously caused by jealousy). I expected Woody Allen to see through these lieus communs and into the real Spain, Catalunya and, ultimately, Barcelona, and I felt disappointed.
This said, the film does have its perks. The atmosphere there develops is, albeit unreal, irresistibly appealing: the funny lines, the painter's studio, Javier Bardem's boldfaced seduction of the girls... But the two things that make it wortht the price of the ticket are Barcelona and Penélope Cruz. The city is portrayed beautifully, and it makes for a very charming setting. And Penélope's character, the violent Maria Elena, totally steals the show with her authenticity and irrationality, as well as with her bitchy comments in Spanish, mostly for the benefit of Bardem.
To sum it up, this is not the best film you'll ever see, nor the best film Woody Allen has ever made. However, if you feel like taking in a light comedy with a bonus trip around Barcelona, then don't hesitate to see it.
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