Vicky Christina Barcelona (2008)

Vicky Christina Barcelona, Woody Allen's latest picture, has been hailed as a "return to form" for the writer/director.  Such a description, however, is misleading. 

Woody's previous 40-odd films can be loosely categorised into slapstick/romantic comedies and dramas.  Woody's comedies, for which he is best known, have until recently (he now considers himself too old) focused around Woody as the hopeless romantic male lead chasing his latest muse.  Recent films, such as Everyone Says I Love You or Anything Else, can be described as the "return to form" in the comedic sense of the phrase.

Woody's dramas, in contrast, have largely centred on the concept of a Godless universe: a universe in which he struggles to understand why people behave the way they do.  For a return to form in this sense, see Match Point or Cassandra's Dream.

Vicky Christina Barcelona focuses on the turbulent relationship of Juan Antonio (Javier Bardem) and MarÍa Elena (Penelope Cruz). Juan is a painter living in Barcelona, who is good-looking, charismatic and impulsive.  Juan is recently split from his beautiful, but hot-headed, ex-wife, MarÍa.  Christina (Scarlett Johansson) travels with a friend to Barcelona for the summer, where she meets Juan in a restaurant and is soon flown off to Oviedo for a romantic weekend.  Their relationship progresses well and Christina moves in.  At this point, MarÍa returns and the lives of the three main characters become intertwined.  The three become intimate and form a tripartite relationship, before Christina eventually decides the relationship is too complicated and returns to America.

The film has much to commend it.  There is a light-hearted narration throughout the film that contrasts well with the dramatic acting of Scarlett and Javier.  Woody successfully portrays a relationship which, inexplicably, does not work.  He also aims to bring to the fore another theme: that love is not constant.  When Christina announces that she is to return to America, the ever-temperamental MarÍa rages.  Juan, however, is more understanding, explaining that love, like everything else in life, passes.

If you're looking for a typical Woody Allen film then you'll be disappointed by the absence of what has made Woody a cult figure: classic Marx-brothersesque one-liners or a serious dramatic point.  If, on the contrary, you want a light-hearted, entertaining, well-shot film about relationships then this is definitely one to see.

Director: Woody Allen
Starring: Scarlett Johansson, Javier Bardem, Penélope Cruz,
Certificate: 12
Runtime: 92 minutes (approx.)
Release date: 22 June 2009
RRP: £17.99

Robert Turner, Trainee Solicitor, Lovells LLP