As you all probably know, just over a month ago Penelope Cruz took home that swoon-worthy little, gold man for her performance in Vicky Cristina Barcelona. In her acceptance speech she thanked Woody Allen for writing some of the "greatest characters for women". Her portrayal of Marie Elena, is one of those women. She is an impulsive, creative, inspiring, force of nature, a complicated woman and artist. Aren't we all? Many of her lines are in Spanish, her first language, which I think perhaps she is more comfortable with, and allowed her to show more depth and range. I am sure now that she is more than just a pretty face. I am such a fan of the way Woody Allen tells a story--something about the way he writes, it is very rich, descriptive & passionate but never feels pretentious. More to the point, he does create such interesting characters that breath so much life into what sometimes can be a pretty predictable plot. They are always smart, sophisticated yet still flawed and relatable. The real gold lies within the dialogue between his characters. It is always witty and charming and I find myself taking lines from his films and hoping to insert them into my own conversations. ("No one's ever asked for their money back." -Nola Rice, Match Point) I was so intrigued by this film, the setting, Barcelona (obviously) is so alluring and seemed so right for finding love, which happens again & again. There is such an appreciation for Spanish culture that lends so much as well; the scenes of hypnotic, Spanish guitar and the immense focus on the unique Gaudi architecture. It is a beautiful film, about what else? The complicated trials of love, lust and a semester abroad--A MUST see!
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