During the summer of 2007 Barcelona was collapsed by the making of this film. I remember one afternoon, down the central Paseo de Gracia, see a crowd in front of La Pedrera, the famous Gaudi building. Streets cut, Costume trucks, Makeup, Catering, sets, a bunch of wires crossing the road, many people on the sidewalks, subida a las farolas… I was surprised. But then I thought: as people will not go to a shoot if the same local newspaper published on the front page of places where you will roll! Ver a Woody Allen, a Scarlett, Penelope and Bardem in action and free, not happen every day. During those days there were formal presentations, with Minister included, poster presentation, clarinet concert with his jazz band Liceu Theatre. All were pampering for the stars.
It is said in the city of Barcelona that Woody had all the facilities by the City, even said that the film is a local custom to promote the city internationally. Even, already made that, I suspect that the name of the city in the title has something to do with all this mess.
All this madness generated high expectations to see the movie and I think the end result has been inversely proportional to interest created.
And view the film, I've been a little disappointed. Not your typical Woody; scathing dialogues, touches of humor, where everything makes sense, its reason for being and the plot is steadily flowing with… as life itself. In this film, it does not occur: situations are forced, Penelope Cruz's character I do not believe, the pace is a broken line, with acceleration and braking, and the ending is completely implausible.
My opinion is that it is a film made fairly quickly, developed a little script, Woody result left a lot of actors to improvise. An example is the story of how he came across the song Barcelona, performed by the group Giulia and Tellarini. The group learned that the director was staying at the Hotel Arts, one days entered, went to reception and left a CD for Mr.. Allen. It appears that among the many things that gave the receptionist that day, Mr.. Allen is on the CD Fixed, grabbed, I did put in the car he used for traveling and perfect!: a song with title Barcelona… had already solved part of the soundtrack and the song was recorded, Great! However, again is evident the good use of music as the characters stand, we sense a different tune that identifies and distinguishes each character. Sometimes giving a different meaning to the original music has, such as using a traditional Catalan Christmas carol.
Anyway acknowledge that the film has its intention, and plasma openly live different visions of sex and love. And the moral I draw is how important it is to know what you want and what you do not want.
I do not think this movie go to film history and it is a pity. I'm not fan of the films of Woody Allen, but remember Manhattan, other urban setting, I moved, or the same Match Point, London stage, you gradually involves the plot. Vicky Cristina Barcelona, is far from being a work of art. ¡Ojalá me equivoque!
More information on the website of the movie