Interesting, with flawless performances from all actors.

Rating: 7/10 (21 July 2009)

Initially I was disappointed in this film and still am somewhat because Woody Allen doesn't explore anything new--nope,not at all. It is well done and does explore unmet expectations in relationships even if the expectation is not a conscious one for the person.
I thought the Maria E. character was overdone--the mood swings were unexplained and one wonders why she was not(or was?) on any medication. The dialog was at times repetitive and just plain silly because it is in the manner of a Mills & Boone novel (and I have read many of them!) The narrator was annoying and enhanced the romance novel effect. And I was hoping that Vicky would somehow resolve her issue and find passion with her husband.
However this movie is great if only because of the skill of the actors involved in the project. I think Scarlett J. is a fantastic actor and well cast as is Rebecca Hall.
Interesting use is made of the various characters and what quality and what conflict they represent in the film. Maria E. out of control and passionate as well as very compassionate & perceptive in helping Christina discover her talent. Cristina, confused and vulnerable and yet the stabilizing influence in the Juan A./Maria E. drama. Vicky, sad, seeking, aware and unaware of her unmet needs. Juan A. the charming, devious (and honest--he admits he uses people) sociopath who is also, at times, kind and generous and (of all people) assists Vicky in finding part of her true self. Judy, the disappointed and yet wise. Juan's father, playing safe and yet isolated. The barely visible husbands who could be the unappreciated and reliable yet seemingly boring and unaware of their wives' conflict (I wouldn't be too certain of that, however!) Plus others whom I can't recall at the moment.
The film is ultimately about the complexity of humans, their relationships, and the burdens a culture places on all of us.
If you can overlook the annoying parts it is a fantastic film. See it!