2008 Woodie Awards
Allen hits gold with 'Vicky Cristina'
By Rincey Abraham
Woody Allen hits all the marks on his first movie set in Spain: "Vicky Cristina Barcelona." Vicky (Rebecca Hall) and Cristina (Scarlett Johansson) are two America women who travel to Spain on vacation. Their trip takes an unexpected turn when they meet a handsome artist with a mysterious past, Juan Antonio (Javier Bardem).
Vicky, who is recently engaged and the more cautious of the two, is wary about going off for a weekend with Juan Antonio while Cristina sees this as exactly the type of adventure she was looking for. The movie creates a contrast between the two characters and their views on life and love.
Although Vicky is initially hostile toward Juan Antonio, a day spent alone with him seems to be enough to make her fall for him. She begins to question what she originally thought she wanted and discovers new desires filling her heart in Barcelona.
Not wanting to ruin Vicky's relationship, Juan Antonio pursues Cristina. Cristina seems to find exactly what she wanted, eventually moves in with Juan Antonio and figures out that she has a talent for photography. Everything appears to be perfect until Juan Antonio insists that his erratic ex-wife, Maria Elena (Penélope Cruz), move in with them after she attempts to commit suicide.
Cruz steals the movie perfectly treading the line between psychotic and lovable. Viewers can feel her pain, which makes it easier to sympathize with her character. Bardem, who won an Academy Award for his role in "No Country For Old Men," also stands out and proves he can be much more than a killer with a bad haircut.
The movie leaves the final judgment up to the audience about the philosophies of love, happiness and the choices the characters make in this movie. These deep topics of life leave audiences thinking, while still making them laugh in a way only Allen can accomplish.
Vicky, who is recently engaged and the more cautious of the two, is wary about going off for a weekend with Juan Antonio while Cristina sees this as exactly the type of adventure she was looking for. The movie creates a contrast between the two characters and their views on life and love.
Although Vicky is initially hostile toward Juan Antonio, a day spent alone with him seems to be enough to make her fall for him. She begins to question what she originally thought she wanted and discovers new desires filling her heart in Barcelona.
Not wanting to ruin Vicky's relationship, Juan Antonio pursues Cristina. Cristina seems to find exactly what she wanted, eventually moves in with Juan Antonio and figures out that she has a talent for photography. Everything appears to be perfect until Juan Antonio insists that his erratic ex-wife, Maria Elena (Penélope Cruz), move in with them after she attempts to commit suicide.
Cruz steals the movie perfectly treading the line between psychotic and lovable. Viewers can feel her pain, which makes it easier to sympathize with her character. Bardem, who won an Academy Award for his role in "No Country For Old Men," also stands out and proves he can be much more than a killer with a bad haircut.
The movie leaves the final judgment up to the audience about the philosophies of love, happiness and the choices the characters make in this movie. These deep topics of life leave audiences thinking, while still making them laugh in a way only Allen can accomplish.
Published: 8/28/08 Section: Marquee
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Serge
posted 8/28/08 @ 7:42 PM CST
I would like inform you that Scarlett Johansson (actress)actually is a clone from original person,who has nothing with acting career.Clone was created illegally by using stolen biomaterial. (Continued…)
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