A Few Small Observations

Rating: 8/10 (13 September 2008)

I won't go into a lengthy review that I could do no better than some already offered. I just want to make a few observations about a movie that I really enjoyed and found engaging.
First, Rebecca Hall's performance as Vicky should not be overlooked. She doesn't have the fireworks to play with except in one scene late in the movie, but she conveys brilliantly the dilemma of a newly married young woman with her conventional life planned out having serious buyer's remorse. There are some subtle takes she does that make me ache for her.
Second, I love the other three main actors but was disappointed in Bardem's performance. Knowing the kind of performance he is capable of--"The Dancer Upstairs"--it seemed to me that this one was to some degree "phoned in." Third (and last), I'm not a great Allen fan or aficionado, but I found many of his directorial choices for this film quite brilliant. Not the least, the work that must have gone in in post for the sound track. Delicious!