Vicky Cristina Barcelona Is Woody Allen’s Latest Masterpiece

Woody Allen has done it again! The quality of his work fluctuates every few years but Vicky Cristina Barcelona hits the bullseye. Just as he did in Match Point, Woody evokes from Scarlett Johansson the performance of a lifetime.

What makes it so good? What doesn’t?!?

The location shooting is wonderful. Javier Bardem gives a stunning turn as the gigolo who refuses to turn away any woman interested in him. And, of course, Penélope Cruz, sets the bar very, very high once again for her rivals in the leading lady character. She is the most believeable since her leading performance in Volver with Pedro behind the camera.

As for the story, it is gripping in its American/European contrasts. It lays out beautifully what a certain number of Yankees experience at various stages of their life, preferring the safety and security of life in the United States but yearning for the adventure and lack of pretense of western Europe.

Sure, just about any director could give us glimpses of these emotions but Woody Allen enables us to feel them through crisp dialog, wonderful cinematography, transparent editing and, of course, brilliant casting.

Sadly, Woody’s films often receive short shrift in terms of American ticket sales but if you enjoy stories of humanity which are suitable both for date night and general art film viewing, you must seeVicky Cristina Barcelona. If you don’t, I will accept no blame for your failure!