Vicky Cristina Barcelona

Penelope Cruz in ‘Vicky Cristina Barcelona’

Woody Allen’s latest foray into the deep terrain of the human heart is his new film ‘Vicky Cristina Barcelona’.

The plot to ‘Vicky Cristina Barcelona’ centres around two American women, Vicky and Cristina, vactioning in Barcelona, Spain. They stay at the palatial home of Judy, Vicky’s relative. Their adventures truly begin when they accept the proposition of a celebrated, eccentric local artist, Juan Antonio Gonzalo, who invites them away to the city of Oviedo, in the small plane that he flies, to spend a weekend sight-seeing, drinking wine, and more…

‘Vicky Cristina Barcelona’ pulled me in and kept me involved. The film’s strength lay foremost with its strong, credible, interesting characters, well performed by a strong cast. Scarlett Johansson’s Cristina was an impulsive, intense, searching young woman, still trying to find her way in the world. British actress Rebecca Hall played her straight-laced, academic friend Vicky with Chris Messina playing her equally straight-laced fiance, Doug. Javier Bardem played the brilliant artist and Romeo figure, Juan Antonio. Penelope Cruz was brilliant as his manic, uncontrollable artist ex-wife, Maria Elena.

The mix of strong performances, taut romantic situations, some great shots of Barcelona, and plenty of Spanish guitar made this Woody Allen film a treat.

‘Vicky Cristina Barcelona’ starts at selected cinemas on Boxing Day.

21 December, 2008