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09/03/2008: "VICKY CRISTINA BARCELONA" by Michael Corbin
Every blue moon, I'll see a film that I think everyone should see. In this case, the film is Woody Allen's "Vicky Cristina Barcelona." It's a MUST see ... especially if you're the creative type. More on that in a few seconds.
First off, NO ONE weaves a tale like Woody Allen. I cannot think of another director whose storytelling is so beautifully intricate and seamless, yet at the same time, you can almost see the wheels turning inside his head. I'm going to tell you about this film without actually telling you about it. Woody Allen is not in the film, nor is he the narrator, nor is it based in New York City, yet this is the quintessential Woody Allen film. Woody Allen in Barcelona.
Second, he uses narration to move the pace along pretty quickly and keep us attentive. It totally works. The film is a delightful basket full of wine, Spanish guitar,
laziness, craziness, profound purpose and sexual intrigue. The cast is like a musical ensemble featuring Scarlett Johansson, Javier Bardem, the fantastic Penelope Cruz, Rebecca Hall and Patricia Clarkson, among others.
Third, this is a film strictly for ADULTS. Thank God. How often do we see "thinking" films for adults? Nothing gets blown up and there aren't any magical, animated characters that do Disney-esque things (nothing against them). What we have here are people who are dreaming of and seeking better lives. Doesn't that describe us all?
Four, what really impressed me about this film was ... drum roll please ... ART. The way Allen uses art in this film is masterful. It's not just about the painting, photography, music or writing, but also the way he captures the feelings and thoughts of the artists/characters. Every major character in the film takes a chance and gets creative with varying results. Every character struggles to be free. I guess you can't put a price on creative freedom.
This film reminds us that when you bank on artistic vision, you're on the track to happiness. That's unless something not so great happens. Penelope Cruz's character brings this home. As usual, Allen ties up the loose ends with great skill. It totally satisfies that childlike, "Tell me a story!" urge in you. One more quick thing ... the film is roughly about an hour and a half long. Fantastic. I'm going back out now to run some errands.
In short, "Vicky Cristina Barcelona" is the perfect film for a lazy August day ... or any day. It's a matinee for creative, thinking adults, but I'm no film critic. Don't take my word for it. See it for yourself.
MICHAEL CORBIN IS AN AVID ART COLLECTOR AND AUTHOR OF THE NEW BOOK, "THE ART OF EVERYDAY JOE: A COLLECTOR'S JOURNAL." CHECK IT OUT AT WWW.ARTMAESTROGALLERY.COM
