I can’t say that I’m a fan of the saccharine day time soap opera ‘The Bold and the Beautiful ‘ (B&B) but I do remember watching the tail-end of one episode that has always stuck in my mind. It featured an idyllic honeymoon scenario in which the Eric & Brooke were whisked away by hot air balloon to some unspecified far off desert location. From there they rode on horseback to a luxurious tent within which was a makeshift, but highly luxurious bed bathed in candlelight . With her hair still perfectly coiffured, it remained only for Brooke, in awe of the elaborate arrangements set in place for her benefit, to succumb completely to the charms of her handsome groom.
There is something of the impossibility of this fiction romance invested in the fantasy male character of Juan Antonio played by Javier Bardem and conjured up by Woody Allen’s in his movie ‘Vicky Cristina Barcelona’.
He combines easy charm, talent and charisma that serves as a check list for the qualities any budding Don Juan would give their eye teeth to possess. He creates post-impressionist action paintings from which he earns a more than comfortable income , is ruggedly attractive, supremely self assured, dresses soberly yet immaculately, drives a red sports car and is a trained pilot, belongs to the smartest of smart sets and is a wine connoisseur who knows all the finest restaurants.
Juan Antonio epitomises the impulsive and imaginative Latin lover of legend as demonstrated by the scene in which he humps Cristina (Scarlett Johansson)on the kitchen floor libidinously oblivious to the milk boiling over on the stove.
Bardem manages to play the part pretty convincingly but it is Penelope Cruz as his firecracker of an ex-wife who makes this movie work. Alongside the predictable caricatures of the other protagonists she plays her role with a fiery venom that leaps off the screen. But for her the movie would be just be an upmarket soap. I would say this was probably a stroke of luck for Allen – half the time she speaks Spanish so I seriously doubt whether he scripted the whole of her part. It looks more like her role came to life spontaneously and that’s what makes it so exciting to watch.
Aha : a lot of people are saying they liked this movie, but then they turn out to have thought that ‘Match Point’ was a brilliant film, so I have my doubts.It’s probably fair to say, isn’t it that any male from whatever culture would tend to forget the milk if he were in media res with La Johansen?
I can imagine Bill Nighy jumping up to turn the milk off but that’s about it: “Oh look I’m sorry er y’know, it’s a new stove I… oh god this is terrible you’re really quite attractive as well’ etc etc etc
Agreed! You have to get your priorities right – a dirty stove or a romp with Scarlett? Not really a difficult choice!!:)
I haven’t seen Match Point – is it so bad?
Staggeringly.