Vicky Christina Barcelona continues the career resurgance of prolific oscar winning director Woody Allen. It's a steamysensuous drama, laced with the wry cynisicm and astute emotional observations which have characterised much of Allen's best work. This film falls somewhere between the neurotic romanticism of Manhatten and the dark suspensful brilliance of Match Point. After a period of creative stagnation Allen has rediscovered the magic that once made his films such an alluring and essential cinematic prospect.
Pragmatic Vicky (Rebecca Hall) and free spirited Christina (Scarlett Johansson) are two friends caught in a tangled web of love and desire with a passionate artist (Javier Bardem), while Oscar winner Penelope Cruz plays his fiery and exotic former lover. A mood setting Spanish guitar soundtrack and voice over narration carry the story forward with pace, style and charm. The cast are a pleasure to look at of course, but are also captiating in the emotional subtilties of their performances and the relationships between them. Allen harnesses the best of new muse Johansson and her dazzling co-stars, with delightful results.
A critical study in desire the film is passionate, intelligent and humerous in equal measure. Allen neatly sidesteps the cheap laughs of bawdy farce in favour of more rewarding sophistication. By reigning in his own neurosis and avoiding the indulgences which have marred his less popular efforts Allen has produced another rare gem.
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