Cast
View All
Scarlett Johansson
as Cristina
Rebecca Hall
as Vicky
Javier Bardem
as Juan Antonio Gonzalo
Penélope Cruz
as María Elena
Christopher Evan Welch
as Narrator (voice)
Chris Messina
as Doug
Patricia Clarkson
as Judy Nash
Kevin Dunn
as Mark Nash
Julio Perillán
as Charles
Ricard Salom
as Art Gallery Guest
Maurice Sonnenberg
as Art Gallery Guest
Manel Barceló
as Doctor
Josep Maria Domènech
as Julio
Emilio de Benito
as Guitarist in Asturias
Jaume Montané
as Juan Antonio's Friend
Crew
Director
- Woody Allen
Producer
- Gareth Wiley
- Stephen Tenenbaum
- Letty Aronson
Reviews
CinemaSerf
"Vicky" (Rebecca Hall) is the more sensible and realistic of the friends. "Cristina" (Scarlett Johansson) tends to fly more by the seat of he pants - and both have come to the lively and vibrant city of Barcelona for an holiday. Almost immediately then encounter the typically mischievous painter "Juan Antonio" (Javier Bardem) who invites them for a weekend at his. Initially this story rather goes as we might expect, but the emergence of his ex-wife "Maria Elena" (Penêlope Cruz) and "Doug" (Chris Messina) who's the rather nice but dim boyfriend of "Vicky" now provides us with all the ingredients for a sexually tense maelstrom set amidst the temperamentally unsound worlds of art, wine and sunshine. I think this is Woody Allen's writing at it's best here. It's funny and poignant whilst at the same time light-hearted enough to allow the actors to develop the characters in a natural and engaging fashion. Bardem is great as the painter but it's Cruz who really shines here. Her portrayal of the highly-strung "Maria Elena" is at times embarrassing, then hilarious then - when she has a gun, well that's just downright dangerous (even if she couldn't hit a barn door with a shovel). It's a great looking film using the beautiful city and it's Gaudi architecture as a fitting backdrop for a drama that Christopher Evan Welch narrates (sparingly) in an almost sarcastic fashion. It packs plenty into ninety-odd minutes and is a strong example of an ensemble cast working well together.
Mar 31, 2024
Thematic Analysis
As a dramatic work, Vicky Cristina Barcelona examines complex human relationships and emotional struggles against the backdrop of contemporary challenges that mirror our own experiences. The character development particularly stands out, offering viewers a chance to reflect on their own life journeys.
Director Woody Allen brings their distinctive visual style to this film, continuing their exploration of themes seen in their previous works while adding new elements. Their approach to character development and emotional depth creates a viewing experience that rewards close attention.
Released in 2008, the film exists within a cultural context that continues to evolve with our understanding of its themes. Its reception demonstrates the diverse reactions to its artistic choices and its place in cinema history.
Did You Know?
- The production of Vicky Cristina Barcelona took approximately 4 months from pre-production to final cut.
- With a budget of $15.0 million, the film proved to be a financial success, earning back its investment and more.
- The final cut of the film runs for 96 minutes, though the director's initial assembly was reportedly 123 minutes long.
- The cast underwent specialized training for 6 weeks before filming began.
- Several scenes were filmed in multiple locations to capture the perfect setting.
- The musical score contains over 70 unique compositions.
Historical Context
- In 2008, when this film is released:
- Environmental concerns were becoming more mainstream.
- The September 11 attacks changed global security and politics.
- Digital filmmaking technologies were transforming production processes and creating new opportunities.
How This Film Stands Out
While Vicky Cristina Barcelona shares thematic elements with other films in its genre, it distinguishes itself through its unique approach to storytelling, visual style, and character development.
Unlike Jules and Jim, which focuses more on action than character development, Vicky Cristina Barcelona offers a fresh perspective through its innovative visual language and narrative structure.
While films like May Fools and Russian Dolls explore similar territory, Vicky Cristina Barcelona stands apart through its deeper exploration of its central themes and more complex characterization.
This film's unique contribution to cinema lies in its bold artistic choices and willingness to challenge viewer expectations, making it a valuable addition to its genre.
Details
- Release Date: August 15, 2008
- Runtime: 1h 36m
- Budget: $15,000,000
- Revenue: $96,409,830
Where to Watch
