Friday, April 21, 2023

Movie review - "Barcelona" (1994) ***1/2 (re-watching)

 The story of two Americans who date out of their league  - the leads are terrific just not as good looking as Tushka Bergen or Mira Sorvino (neither or them Spanish) or Hellena Schmiedor or Nuria Badi.

 It benefits from focusing on the central due but unfortunately female characters - strong in Stillman's other films - are weak here. Like none really have personality apart from being hung up on a charismatic Spanish journo. And it shouldn't be a matter of screen time - because Jack Gilpin and Thomas Gibson have terrific turns as an American consul and rival for Nichols respectively (I love how Gibson and Nichols bond over sales books).

It has lovely unique humour, comes at things from different direction, some great looking women and scenery, a budget well spent. There are violent touches too - someone tries to assassinate Eigemann, an American soldier is killed - which give it this extra layer.

No comments: