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| Image from here |
Woody Allen for me is an enigma. Comedian? Writer? Director? Actor?
Well the list of his skills falls in the 'artist' category for sure, because I feel an artist at heart just expresses himself in one medium or another words, pictures, music, sculptures - and sometimes it all goes hand in hand.
His persona is all quirk, from those framed glasses and tiny stature. He seems to think at an oblique to what normal people think, and is a non conformist according to me. There is no right or wrong to what he says, and it all seems to fit for the given situation. And does come up with situations in his writing that can't be judged with a standard , traditional approach.
I have put his film 'A midnight in Paris' on my to-watch list for long, just because I find the plot amazing!
The comedian part of Woody Allen is most baffling - I feel like I fail to understand his sense of humour, or I see humour in places where he doesn't really intend to use humour. He is profound and frivolous at the same time. And he is profound without being complex, yet when things cease to be complex, they start seeming shallow. Yet all his comedies have a philosophy. At least that's how I felt watching Vicky Christina Barcelona. I din't think it to be comedy at all, though the handling of a complex subject was done with such lightness, that it made you smile.
I like to take something from a film, be it a moment of gay abandon, a perspective, or a new widget of knowledge or self-realisation.I like films that make you think, and Woody Allen films do that.
Two friends, Vicky and Christina are on a holiday in Barcelona.Christina knows what she doesn't want, but doesn't know what she wants. She goes by instinct and impulse and finds normal to be boring.
Vicky on the other hand, knows what she wants. At least she thinks she knows what she wants. She is more traditional and practical in her approach to life, love and commitments. She is already engaged.
Then they meet this broody eyed painter Juan with a past.
There is Maria Elena , the ex wife of Juan - who is multi faceted, a genius in art and as intense geniuses normally are,she is emotionally and psychologically fragile. Juan and Maria Elena love each other, but have separated because love alone isn't enough for them, and they feel there is 'something missing' that keeps them apart in spite of love.
Emotional doldrums follow as Vicky and Christina get involved with Juan and in the process find themselves facing the same questions about love , life and relationships - and try to reach their own answers.
The film was interesting without being preachy and boring, and what helped greatly were the absolutely stunning locales of Spain. I don't think much of Bardem, but the three ladies(Penelope Cruz, Scarlett Johansson, Rebecca Hall) are gorgeous and very pleasant on eye.
Coming back to locales, Spain has that broody, balmy air of a sunny place that wants you to go on a holiday. Winding lanes, old world charm and almost a sepia tint to everything - the cute courtyards, lovely balconies, colourful market places - it was a treat to watch. Throw in the Spanish guitar and beautiful wines, and you feel you are drunk on Spain just by looking and hearing to it. What better place could there be to ponder over ones wishes and thoughts - only when you lose yourself to something can you find what you really are!
