By Jack Phillips
Sex, sex and more sex. That must have been the only thing running through Woody Allen’s head when he both wrote and directed his new movie.
With two of the most beautiful actress’ in the world in the film and, debatably, a real hunk of a guy in the male role, this film really can make you feel like an ogre in 97 minutes.
Scarlett Johansson plays nymphomaniac and lost actress, Christina, whilst Rebecca Hall plays more conservative art student Vicky. They decide to spend their summer with Vicky’s distant relatives in Barcelona. Hence the film’s name Vicky Cristina Barcelona. Inspired title.
Whilst at an art show, the pair meets Juan Antonio, played by Javier Barden, a painter who looks like a Spanish Adonis. I heard some females comment in the theatre of course.
In a forward Spanish manner, Juan Antonio asks the two girls if they would like to fly to Spanish town Oviedo for a trip away from Barcelona to see a sculpture that inspires him in all his works.
After some hesitation from Vicky and none from Cristina they decide to go with him on a plane he borrows from a friend. Living the tough life indeed.
It is here where the films landscape and beautiful setting is something to behold. The views of the seas are breathtaking and the buildings look like they are in a deserted Spanish town. It looks like the Mamma Mia set, just without the blue screen effects.
A dangerous love triangle begins between the three of them, where Vicky cheats on her fiancée and Cristina starts dating Juan Antonio. It is here where the film’s best character comes in as Penelope Cruz plays Juan Antonio’s suicidal ex girlfriend Maria Elena who takes an instant disliking to Cristina. Cruz plays the role brilliantly, mixing Spanish and English, to which she resembles Amy Winehouse with her smoking and outrageous verbal assaults towards Juan Antonio.
With a four way love square, and three beautiful women in love with Juan Antonio, you begin to realise a very odd situation is occurring. I am pretty sure this would not happen in Sheffield. To say this film was a little over exaggerated maybe a slight understatement but that’s what creates the great story and surreal actions of the characters. A crazy final half an hour the film makes for great watching.
Men watching will be in awe of Juan Antonio and the three beautiful women lusting over him. Ladies watching will be planning a summer in Barcelona to meet Juan Antonio.
The film’s final scene is great, with laughs throughout; the film can be watched and enjoyed by all, either by hating or loving the characters. Cruz and Barden are brilliant right the way through the film and leaves viewers with questions of what people really want from love in their lives.
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