Every Wednesday, FM writers Simon Columb and Brogan Morris write two short reviews on Woody Allen films … in the hope of watching all his films over the course of roughly 49 weeks. If you have been watching Woody’s films and want to join in, feel free to comment with short reviews yourself! Next up is Vicky Cristina Barcelona and Celebrity…
Simon Columb on Vicky Cristina Barcelona…
The rogue artist has never been sexier than in Vicky Cristina Barcelona. While we join Vicky (Rebecca Hall) and Cristina (Scarlett Johansson) as they visit Barcelona, their differing attitudes to romance and relationships is tested when they meet Juan Antonio (Javier Bardem) – and his crazy ex (Penelope Cruz). Woody Allen captures a passionate and fiery summer, whereby we can escape to a dream of the bohemian lifestyle with flowing red wine and expressive, impasto art. Sun shines on the Gaudi gardens and as tensions heat up, we are left to define what creates an artist. Are all artists required to be a tad unstable to confidently create? Is romance better left unsaid and unspoken – or should it be fully embraced? A criticism of marriage and deconstruction of love is Woody Allen at his best. Vicky Cristina Barcelona additionally utilises the European destination to flavour the film with beauty, grace and a deeply seductive charm.
Brogan Morris on Celebrity…
Breathless performances from Kenneth Branagh and Judy Davis, as divorcees occupying separate tales of showbiz bullsh*t, fuel an already exhausting movie of fleeting famous faces in Woody Allen’s aptly named Celebrity. Branagh plays what may be a terminally dissatisfied Woody surrogate, a journalist who wants to be a screenwriter who wants to be a novelist. Through his connections, he gets head from ditzy actress Melanie Griffith, tries it on with capricious model Charlize Theron and attempts to sell a script to volatile actor Leonardo DiCaprio. This is a dizzying tour through the superficial social circles of the rich and famous (even Donald Trump makes an appearance), a somewhat scathing indictment of the facade of the Hollywood dream, as Davis’s Robin chooses love and happiness, while Branagh’s Lee keeps chasing the hollow promise of fame and fortune – the final images we see on-screen are his face, followed by the word ‘help’.
Brogan Morris – Lover of film, writer of words, pretentious beyond belief. Thinks Scorsese and Kubrick are the kings of cinema, but PT Anderson and David Fincher are the young princes. Follow Brogan on Twitter if you can take shameless self-promotion.
Originally published January 22, 2014. Updated April 11, 2018.
