Excellent comedy-drama

Rating: 9/10 (25 May 2009)

I wish people could comment on a Woody Allen film based on its merits rather than its being a Woody Allen film. It seems that the main topic of discussion about a Woody Allen film is about the director. Has Woody lost it? Is this film among his best, or is it just average? Is this typical Woody Allen? Why isn't he as funny as he used to be? Don't you hate Woody Allen films? Doesn't he always just cover the same ground? It seems that people have become obsessed with reacting to the director rather than to his films.
I wager that if Allen had made this film under a pseudonym, it would have been tagged as a refreshing work of a talented director. And that is what it is. The photography is lush; every scene is beautifully lighted and shows great care in its presentation. Consider the scene in the fruit and vegetable market where the merchandise is carefully arranged and the colors are a feast for the eyes, or the verdant backdrop for the picnic with the flowers gently swaying in the wind. The sights of Barcelona serve as a mini travelogue and enrich the film. If nothing else, Allen has become very accomplished in his presentation and he has to be ranked as a skillful director.
The story is about two attractive young women spending the summer months in Barcelona where they become entangled in a love triangle with Juan Antonio (Javier Bardem). When Jaun Antonio's ex-wife enters the picture, she squares the triangle. The actors are all on target with Rebecca Hall being a standout as Vicky. Barem plays Juan Antonio with such charm that he refutes any early inclinations you might have that he is a snake. He is a smooth operator, but he is never less than honest.
The musical score featuring guitar works by Albeniz, de Lucia, and Serrano (among others) complements the warmth of the photography.
I was puzzled by the all-knowing narrator who makes occasional observations throughout the film. I have nothing against such in general, but here most of the narrator's comments are superfluous and simply describe what can be otherwise deduced.
There is one scene that epitomizes the movie for me. It has Jaun Antonio talking to Vicky saying, "Love requires a perfect balance. It's like the human body. It may turn out that you have all the vitamins and minerals, but if there is a minor, single, tiny ingredient missing, like ... salt, for example, one dies." In response Vicky deadpans, "Salt?" A truth is punctuated with a humorous response.