Review: ‘Vicky’ ranks with top Woody Allen flicks

Directed by: Woody Allen

Starring: Javier Bardem, Patricia Clarkson, Penélope Cruz, Kevin Dunn, Rebecca Hall, Scarlett Johansson, Chris Messina

Rated: PG-13

After beginning his career as a joke writer in the 1950s and becoming a standup comedian in the early 60s, Woody Allen found his true calling toward the end of the latter decade. He was born to direct movies – his own movies.

Allen is one of the few modern directors (Clint Eastwood is another) to star in many of his own best films. He has given that up lately, but there is always at least one Allen surrogate in his movies. His neuroses-drenched, pithy dialogue is unmistakable, and fans (me included) can recognize a “Woody-ism” every time one is uttered onscreen.

Allen’s best films (“Annie Hall,” “Manhattan,” “Hannah and Her Sisters”) have been romantic/neurotic comedies, and his latest, “Vicky Cristina Barcelona,” ranks with that trio of his classics.

The movie, shot by Javier Aguirresarobe, departs from Allen’s typical New York City setting and cinematography. It is one of his most sumptuous-looking films since the glorious gray tones of “Manhattan.” No matter who is doing the cinematography, to this day, Allen’s opening and end titles – simple white font against a black background – are unmistakably his own.

Fans as well as critics think Allen’ casting and seeming obsession with (the quite young, granted) Scarlett Johansson is evidence of something amiss. But he has always had his feminine muses – consider Louise Lasser, Diane Keaton, Mia Farrow. And Johansson, who in addition to her physical charms is a fine actress, seems to take to Allen’s writing and directing style.

She is joined by newcomer Rebecca Hall, the always-classy Patricia Clarkson and the wild card that is Penélope Cruz. This is the best female ensemble to grace the screen in a long while. Each role is well-written, and each actress inhabits her character to the fullest extent. Cruz is so drop-dead gorgeous that viewers may forget just how good she is at her craft. She was nominated for her work in “Volver” and deserves a supporting actress Oscar for her role here. Her character, Maria Elena, is the essential fiery spark that takes “Vicky Cristina Barcelona” to the level it achieves in the third act.

Javier Bardem, minus the Moe Howard haircut and psycho killer personality he sported in “No Country for Old Men,” proves his mettle as a sexy leading man. It’s easy to believe the three beauties (Clarkson is involved with her own romantic problems) would fall for him.

Vicky (Hall) and Cristina (Johansson) decide to take a summer off after college and visit Barcelona. They stay with Vicky’s aunt Judy (Clarkson) and enjoy the sensual European pleasures that are sometimes elusive in the hectic lifestyle of modern America.

In short order, they meet the painter Juan Antonio (Bardem), the epitome of a polished continental Lothario. Cristina is immediately smitten but Vicky, who is engaged to the obvious object of Allen’s contempt, Doug, is a bit put off – at first.

Both women eventually bed him. Vicky is enthralled but also engaged and eventually must face the altar. Cristina moves in with Juan, and all seems idyllic (a fiery idyllic) until Maria returns. Maria is Juan’s ex-wife who stabbed him at one point in their life together. But passion such as this is not to be taken lightly, and she moves in with Cristina and Juan. Eventually, the trio finds they are attracted to each other.

It’s a complex situation, but Allen has always managed to take basic themes and flesh them out with the complexities that exist in real life.

This is one of his best romantic comedies. The main criticism seems to be focused on the voiced-over narration. Usually that sort of thing is a quick fix incorporated by a film’s producer when it’s felt that things need to be explained. But Allen is not an inexperienced filmmaker, and it seems this was a conscious decision rather than an afterthought.

Longtime Allen fans will enjoy “Vicky Cristina Barcelona” without a doubt. It’s classic Woody. And I think moviegoers who like romantic comedies (“When Harry Met Sally,” “Muriel’s Wedding”) will find it compelling as well.

Jim Wunderle owns Wunderle Sound Services and is a Springfield freelance writer and musician. He can be reached at info@wunderlesound.com.