Have you seen the movie Vicky Cristina Barcelona, directed by Woody Allen?
I saw it a few days ago, and I had a good time watching it. I downloaded the movie for the following reasons:
1. It's set in Spain. Spain has always had a hold on me ever since I was a kid for one reason or another. The fact that I've never even set foot on Spanish soil doesn't seem to matter all that much, especially since I've been told by people close to me who have been there that Barcelona and Sevilla are "so me." I don't really know why they say that, and I don't really care. I can only prove it if I spend time in those Spanish cities...something that's only dream fluff for me right now.
2. Javier Bardem. So strange. He doesn't fit the handsome-Hollywood-type mold, and I didn't really like his character in the movie version of Gabriel Garcia Marquez's novel Love in the Time of Cholera, which, incidentally, showed the most perfect pair of breasts I've ever seen on film. (And now everybody's going off to download "Love in the Time of Cholera." Sigh.)
You're back? Oh, good. Anyway, there's something about Javier Bardem that compels me to watch his movies. I really loved it whenever he spoke Spanish in Vicky Cristina Barcelona, or maybe I just have a predilection for Spain's sons (especially this one, who looks so manly, grrrrr). This topic brings to mind Jamie Lee Curtis' character in that old movie "A Fish Called Wanda," which reminds me of myself somewhat. In that movie, men speaking a European language turned her on. An apt comparison, except for the fact that I don't have Jamie Lee Curtis' gorgeous boobies. Plus, not all European languages turn me on. Just a handful. :-)
3. Penelope Cruz. Because she's so damn gorgeous. And she's Spanish. I could possibly switch teams just because of her.
The main female characters in the movie are Vicky (Rebecca Hall), Cristina (Scarlett Johansson) and Maria Elena (Penelope Cruz). Which one do I best identify with? Watching the movie, I can say that I found myself in all three: I'm straightlaced (somewhat), adventurous and dissatisfied (somewhat) and bizarrely neurotic (somewhat).
What's strange is that I also see aspects of my character in Javier Bardem's portrayal of the man called Juan Antonio Gonzalo. Passionate, artistic, intense, yet wishy-washy. Ugh.
Which movie character do you most identify with? Let me know, so I can stop feeling so pathetic.
15 comments:
I haven't seen that film yet, but I'll rent it to see what you're talking about - oh... and there's an invite: We still plan moving to Spain. YOU visit ME, pretty please?
Thanks for the add to FB, Lizza!
I haven't seen it either - oh dear.
I suppose I'd better identify with Pinocchio - does that help?
Sanni: I would love to visit you and your family in Spain! Oh, how I wish.
DaddyP: Hmmmm....
(trying to think of long, hard wood and Javier Bardem now)
And the question about which movie character you most identify with isn't limited to Vicky Cristina Barcelona. I'm asking about any film character that best exemplifies you!
I didn't get the connection between you being hungry and the movie VCB.
Or did you mean tengo (como un) hombre like Juan Antonio Gonzalo? :p
Holly Hunter in The Piano.....perhaps....except she lost her piano-playing fingers to a controlling madman with an axe and I can't stand to watch it no matter how many times I see it....but something about her silence (she can't speak) resonates with me and her vulnerability/strength/vulnerability/strength....you get the picture.
Sigh.
The movie character I identify with is Annie Hall - yes I'm neurotic too. I really enjoyed VCB - it's so beautifully shot and the four leads are just so damn gorgeous to look at.
Am still a Woody Allen fan but was left with an uncomfortable feeling that VCB was actually an old man's wet dream (lesbian action between Penelope Cruz and Scarlett Johanssen? - c'mon woody - you're not fooling me)
oh... and Mimi.... I loved the Piano too. In fact I slipped it into a post a couple of days ago, though I was talking more about Harvey Keitel
So did you enjoy the movie? I'll wait for it to be available on Netflix.
Now for your question: I think I best identified with the Meg Ryan character in Sleepless in Seattle, or the Sandra Bullock character in While You Were Sleeping.
So with that revelation, dear Lizza, read me :)
I don't know that film, but I do share your respect for the talent of Javier Bardem.
Penelope Cruz is so so fabulous. She's one of my favorite stars. I am from the Philippines too. Would you mind if I post your blog link to my site?
Lizza - You are still so full of personality! I just checked in to see what you were up to (after quite a lengthy absence) and am thrilled to see that you're still so funny and smart! I've got some blogging plans coming up, but am really busy right now so will give you the details later... Just wanted to tell you what a joy it is to read your material! (Now back to the download "Love in the Time of Cholera." heehee) I'll stay in touch with you, okay?
I relate to Tom Hanks in Saving Private Ryan...that reluctant leader role.
Yeah, that's me.
Hey Lovely, I'm back.
I am living the life of Cristina, but I am afraid I am simply meant to be a Vicky. Ha!
Don't feel pathetic we all find ourselves in other people's characters (even reading your 25 things about me i thought oh shes like me)In the famous words of Shrek the Ogre "we are like onions full of layers", :D Juliet
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