Woody Allen Still Has It

Rating: 10/10 (29 March 2009)

Many films attempt to explore the oh-so-clichéd subject - love. Most of these films fail completely. But Woody Allen has proved time and time again that he really does understand this complex emotion in all it's manifestations, Vicky Cristina Barcelona being no exception.
It's refreshing to find films like this which don't shy away from the difficult questions and don't try and give easy answers. Vicky and Cristina are two characters who, unlike the rest of the characters, don't know what they want. Indeed, Cristina at one point says "All I know is what I don't want"; Vicky and Cristina are truly on a quest for love and happiness.
They are opposites in one sense. Vicky's kind of love is about commitment and security whereas Cristina wants the excitement of something alternative and the heart-stopping feeling of romance. Both Cristina and Vicky go through considerable development and at the end of the film they are much less sure about their viewpoint. These different manifestations are given equal weight and it is left up to the viewer to decide which is 'right' or 'for them'. It makes one think deeply about what we want out of life and love.
Allen has constructed a beautiful tale which is pleasingly unpredictable. The narration which has received much criticism I didn't mind at all and I would argue that this God-affect adds much more scope and the feeling of destiny to the story.
The beauty of the subject matter is reflected in the beauty of the setting. Barcelona is given a chance to shine as the characters experience its sumptuous vitality and magnificent architecture. A story of love always seems to work better in these exotic climates. Perhaps because love itself is exotic and other, like the setting.
The fine performances from the whole cast add even more poignancy to the story. The beautiful melancholy of Scarlett Johansson, the creepiness yet seductiveness of Javier Bardem (showing his range), the non-believer then confusion of Rebecca Hall and the intimidating, funny yet beautiful Penelope Cruz.
Allen proves again his insight into our deep dilemmas and most yearning desires.