First Hit: Woody Allen makes another well acted wonderful film.
The latest resurgence of Woody Allen films don’t have Woody Allen acting in them which I think is very helpful.
Although his distinctive writing is all over this latest film, it is the interpretation by the actors under Allen’s direction which make this film excellent.
We are introduced to two of the main characters as they arrive in Barcelona and are riding in a cab to a friend’s home. Vicky (played by Rebecca Hall) is a student of Spanish architecture and is doing an in-depth study of Gaudi buildings.
Cristina (played by Scarlett Johansson) is her dear friend who decides to tag along for the adventure and because her latest life fling failed. These girls are very different. Where Vicky plans things, feels settled with her life, and is not very adventurous, Cristina’s life is filled with ups and downs and passion. While at an art opening the notice Jose Antonio (played by Javier Bardem).
Later he comes up to their table at a restaurant and suggests that they go with him to another town for the weekend where they will drink wine, see the sites, and all sleep together. Cristina wants to go with the proviso she may not sleep with him but Vicky is shocked and doesn’t think they should go.
However, because Cristina wants to go she joins her friend to keep her company. The girls learn that Jose has a former wife named Maria Elena (played by Penelope Cruz) who is wild, un-abandoned, and still crazy in love with her former husband. With this premise, all the characters get to learn something about themselves and all the while, we the audience are fully entertained.
Often the technique of using a voice over during a film takes away from being engaged with the film. It isn’t always used very well and sometimes is used to make up for the shortcomings of the actors, director, or script. Although I noticed it when it was first used, later I found it well integrated into the film slid in and out without distracting the viewer from the characters and story. Additionally, Allen gets a wonderfully relaxed performance from Johansson, a funny performance from Bardem, and full and wide ranging performance from Cruz.
Overall: This was another really good film by Allen who seems to have found a new stride these past few years.