Movie Review Vicky Christina Barcelona
Woody Allen Delves Into Love’s Many Forms in his Most Recent Film
Aug 18, 2008
The aptly titled Vicky Christina Barcelona follows characters Vicky and Christina as they leave the United States for a summer sojourn to Spain. Invited to stay with another American couple in Barcelona the pair of friends leave their every day lives behind in search of two months of relaxation and enjoyment.
Vicky & Christina
Vicky, a very even keeled masters' student working towards her degree in Catalan studies, has her life mapped out and her careful plans are falling into place around her. Her fiancé Doug is exactly the sort of man she wishes to marry: ordinary and kind if not a little dull. Vicky is devoted to the life she has chosen for herself and looks forward to her certain future.
Christina is a lively and expressive young woman who is unsatisfied with her life currently. She has recently broken up with her boyfriend and has been totally disappointed by her short film that she had devoted the last six months to and now hates. Seemingly in a constant state of upheaval, Christina knows not what she wants but is sure of what she doesn't.
The Proposition
Shortly after arriving in majestic Barcelona the juxtaposed pair make acquaintance with an artist who becomes a common interest. After seeing the impassioned painter from across a gallery party and being told of his violent ex-wife and difficult divorce Vicky and Christina meet Juan Antonio at a restaurant. In the late hours of the night over dinner Juan Antonio approaches the friends to introduce himself and invite them for a weekend in Oviedo with him for drinking, eating well, and making love.
While cautious Vicky declines the abrupt invitation Christina is lured by Juan Antonio's charm. While away for the weekend the threesome evolves drastically. Though Christina shows obvious interest in Juan Antonio and Vicky offers obvious distaste it is Vicky who first falls into the arms of the Spanish lover.
The Extacy
As the story unfolds Christina continues seeing Juan Antonio, unaware of his one time affair with Vicky. Soon the artistic couple moves in together to the house that Juan once shared with his ex-wife Maria Elena. The new and passionate couple is thrown into chaos when Maria's attempt to kill herself has her join them to live in the house.
Still holding deep love for one another but having never been able to work out the flaws in their bond, Maria Elena and Juan Antonio's feelings for one another blossom in a new way. With Christina as the missing piece the threesome become entwined in a loving and ardent relationship.
The Agony
While Christina feels like her life is going in the right direction, Vicky is consumed with her feelings toward Juan Antonio and her lack of excitement towards Doug. Her unwitting fiancé flies to Spain so that the pair can have a romantic small wedding in Barcelona before their planned nuptials in America.
After Vicky catches Judy, the woman with whom she is staying, cheating on her husband with a lover she shares her feelings. Having been confided in, Judy feels she must try to put Juan Antonio and Vicky together so that they can have the life together that Judy has never had with her husband Mark.
Christina leaves Maria and Juan as she begins again to search for what she truly wants only knowing that living as a threesome is one of the things she doesn't want. Without Christina the relationship breaks down once more and Maria Elena leaves also. About to go home to the States with her new husband, Vicky meets Juan Antonio at a party thanks to Judy's plans to get them together again. Vicky and Juan go back to his home for a secret lunch and are on the verge of making love when Maria crashes in with a gun in hand. In the scuffle to disarm Maria Elena Vicky is shot in the hand. Realizing the sort of life she would have with Juan Antonio in Barcelona Vicky collects herself and goes back to her unknowing husband.
Coming Full Circle
As with many Woody Allen movies though the characters were in flux throughout the film while attempting to change, by the end they had all fallen back into their familiar states. Christina, once again, must try to find herself not knowing what it is she wants. Vicky chooses the life she had carefully planned knowing that though it may lack excitement and passion she would always be satisfied.
The talented cast and crew including: Scarlett Johansson, Javier Bardem, Rebecca Hall, and Penelope Cruz, come together in this titillating film to create a sensual and constantly changing atmosphere against the amazing backdrop of Spain. Certainly Vicky Christina Barcelona is one of Woody Allen's best received films of the last few years.
