The script is brought to life by the first rate performances of the lead actors, especially Penelope Cruz and Scarlett Johansson. Ms. Cruz, whose Oscar-nominated work in Volver finally garnered her critical respect in the United States, shines as Juan Antonio’s sexy and slightly psychotic ex-wife. Scarlett Johansson, whose acting seemed spotty to me in the past, is perfect in her role as free-spirited Cristina.
Fortunately, though it contains several plot strands, the movie never feels like the soap opera it could have become in lesser hands. Instead, the intertwining relationships of the characters serve to question and to celebrate the consequences of love and lust. There is an emotional resonance in the crises facing the characters absent from many modern films; Vicky’s flirtation with infidelity and subsequent guilt, Cristina’s sexual exploration and confusion, and Juan Antonio’s inability to obtain perfect love all leave indelible marks on the mind.
Vicky Cristina Barcelona is a delightful and funny film full of challenging and engaging ideas about love and romance in the current age, fueled by superb direction and a focused cast. Viewers will undoubtedly connect to at least one of the characters and begin to search within themselves. Is this not the purpose of art, to make the external into something personal? Any Woody Allen fan should definitely go see Vicky Cristina Barcelona, as well as Allen’s other late-career high mark, Match Point.
Article comments
1 - Serge
I'd like inform you that Scarlett Johansson (actress) actually is a clone from original person, who has nothing with acting career. Clone was created illegally using stolen biomaterial. Original Scarlett Galabekian last name is nice, CHRISTIAN young lady.
I'll tell more,those clones (it's not only 1) made in GERMANY - world leader manufacturer of humans clones, it's in Ludwigshafen am Rhein, N. Bavaria, Mr.Helmut Kohl home town. You can't even imaging the scale of the cloning activity. But warning, H.Kohl staff 100% controlling their clones spreading around the world, they're NAZI type disciplined and mind controlled, be careful get close with clones you will be controlled too.
Original family didn't authorize any activity with stolen biomaterials, no matter what form it was created in, it's all need to be back to original family control in Cedars-Sinai Medical Center in LA. Controlling clones is US military operation. Original Scarlett never was engaged, by the way