Fine Vintage WA

Rating: 9/10 (25 January 2017)

Not all of Woody Allen's later films must be major creations. VICKY CRISTINA BARCELONA is another bright gem that makes up in atmosphere and insight what it may lack in scale. He rubs away the surface fibs of modern comfort to reveal the secret lives so many conceal. There are no attempts to solve the discontents that emerge, just an amused and pleasant tolerance of human foibles--accompanied by the sort of light ridicule and acceptance of offbeat lifestyles one expects from a veteran comedian.
Along the way we are treated to some refined cinematic work. The casting is perfect. The balance between action and voice-over is just right. The brilliant guitar accompaniment offers an effective blend of popular and classical pieces.
As for the direction, I especially appreciated the camera imagery. We have all seen hundreds of different ways to stage and frame kisses, but only Woody Allen would think to mask the first kiss between Juan Antonio and Vicky. It is a moment we have anticipated, and we wondered how it would look. Who else would have thought to hide it from us by having his head block their lips?--and then allow the camera to slowly move around his ear for the reveal? Brilliant.