Alec B
An examination of a very specific and odd culture clash. Stillman deserves a lot of credit for being able to easily shift from observational comedy to a number of tension fueled sequences
Rated 4/5 Stars •
Rated 4 out of 5 stars
01/10/24
Full Review
Matthew D
Effortlessly intelligent and witty with a playful whimsy.
Director Whit Stillman's indie romantic comedy-drama Barcelona (1994) is wonderful. Stillman's direction brings a calm atmosphere as we're essentially relaxing in Barcelona, Spain. His structure is fascinating as Barcelona is all dates and hang outs with Spanish girls and conversations between these American cousins, who sort of loathe one another, but remain close as they're quite similar in their uptight manner. I loved the Barcelona scenery in the background with ancient buildings and flamenco and jazz music. The Spanish open sexual culture of casual sleeping around, intellectual conversations, and fun dancing is fascinating. It's a fun film with a serene vibe.
Writer Whit Stillman's script is perfect with tons of subtle jokes as these Americans work in Barcelona and romance ladies, while having inane conversations about very complex, adult topics. Barcelona feels mature, but also self aware enough to lambast American yuppies in style. I like how he keeps these romantic affairs very lighthearted with super serious conversations about business, politics, culture, music, history, religion, and philosophy going on and on to the point of absurdity.
I found Stillman's writing incredibly intelligent as he clearly has researched these topics extensively, while understanding them enough to make quaint observational jokes about anything discussed. Barcelona is all about these straight laced yuppies talking about serious subject matter in silly ways, while romancing beautiful Spanish women to find their true love. Sillman's delightfully quaint and cozy direction with a brilliant and clever script find their way into my heart. It's so smart and playful.
Good on Whit Stillman for producing his own movie and getting something so strange like Barcelona created. I'd recommend Barcelona for fans of Martin Scorsese's After Hours or Greg Mottola's The Daytrippers. Casting directors Billy Hopkins, Simone Reynolds, Consol Tura, Kathleen Chopin, and Marta Valsecchi got two very straight laced American guys and several gorgeous actresses from around the world to play the Spanish ladies in Barcelona.
American actor Taylor Nichols is a riot as the ultra awkward American abroad on business Ted Boynton. His stuttering, insecure romantic hero keeps a straight face the entire film. I honestly don't think he smiles ever in Barcelona. He's quite fun when he tries to dissect romantic relationships of American imperialism in business terms or by way of an ant analogy. American actor Chris Eigeman's fast talking Navy man, a constant thief and womanizer, Fred Boynton is the quintessential American yuppie in cinema. He also plays his character straight, only getting upset when the Spanish characters insult America and insinuate they're all violent, stupid, or vulgar. His sensitivity is so pathetic that he is hilarious.
Australian actress Tushka Bergen is lovely as the blonde Spanish lady Montserrat Raventos. I was mesmerized by her longing glances and curious nature, but her femme fatale clearly feels mysterious to allure you. Her freewheeling romantic interest is fascinating as she's intelligent, beautiful, but has no interest in leaving her sleazy boyfriend Ramon. I loathed Spanish actor Pep Munné's philandering philosopher and pretentious journalist Ramon. He plays it very well.
American actress Mira Sorvino is drop dead gorgeous as the Spanish girl Marta Ferrer. I was amazed by Sorvino's flawless Spanish accent and her enchanting charisma. Her playful personality and enticing flirtiness are delightful. Mira Sorvino makes Marta likable, but also clearly out for herself in the end.
English actress Hellena Schmied is pretty and lovable as the sweet natured and loyal Spanish girl Greta. She's clearly a nice love interest for Taylor Nichols' Ted when we meet her. Spanish actress Nuria Badia is beautiful as the Spanish girl Aurora. Her pleasant and eager Aurora Boval, who desires a dangerous love affair, is a blast.
American actor and Betty Gilpin's father, Jack Gilpin, is fun as the amiable Consul member, who Fred hates and has to report to in Barcelona. Thomas Gibson gets a funny cameo as Chicago business partner Dickie Taylor Laura López is very cute and friendly as Ted's nice assistant in Barcelona. Edmon Roch's cameo as Javier is funny as he keeps insisting that all is well, even with his sister being late to her own wedding.
Editor Christopher Tellefsen's slick cuts breeze through conversations and dates alike for a briskly paced 101 minutes. Cinematographer John Thomas shoots these genuinely breathtaking wide shots of Barcelona, then will give us focused medium shots during the many conversations in Barcelona. I loved his smooth panning and tracking shots that felt slick with a flourish of style. Production designer José María Botines makes Ted's lavish apartment set look cozy and expensive. I loved all the party locations and real historical parts of Barcelona in the backdrop.
Composer Mark Suozzo creates tons of dance, classical, flamenco, and jazz music for Barcelona for an eclectic variety of music. Sound designers Licio Marcos de Oliveira and Catherine Benedek make the voices sound clear and the bomb explosions, celebratory fireworks, and sudden gunshots burst into life. Costume designer Edi Giguere really goes over the top with tailored suits, ornate dresses, fitted blouses, and colorful outfits in every scene. Makeup artists Pilar Gatius and Chass Llach ensure each actress looks even more stunning than they already do alongside hairstylists Rose Benavides and Margarida Font's work on the ladies' vivid tresses.
In all, Barcelona is a sheer pleasure with clever wit and cute dates. I loved the absurdist humor that makes Whit Stillman's smart writing easy to follow and fun to hear. All of the actresses are charismatic and playful for a very pleasant romantic comedy among the dramatic moments.
Rated 5/5 Stars •
Rated 5 out of 5 stars
04/06/23
Full Review
Steve D
No one handles these kinds of characters better than Whit Stillman. completely hilarious.
Rated 4/5 Stars •
Rated 4 out of 5 stars
02/19/23
Full Review
Audience Member
An examination of a very specific and odd culture clash. Stillman deserves a lot of credit for being able to easily shift from observational comedy to a number of tension fueled sequences
Rated 4/5 Stars •
Rated 4 out of 5 stars
02/13/23
Full Review
Paul K
I always liked this movie. Might of been the first movie I bought on dvd back in the day. It's not really a comedy, but has allot of funny dialogue. Ted is a bit of a jerk. For crying out loud, your cousin is serving his country and your 1st response when he shows up is being a total ahole. But than again, the on and off tension between them is part of the fun of this movie. Overall, a very good movie with serious undertones..
Rated 4/5 Stars •
Rated 4 out of 5 stars
06/22/21
Full Review
Audience Member
A little known comedy/drama/romance from the mid 90's that is moderately funny. Through chance circumstance, two cousins who mildly dislike each other find themselves together in Barcelona. The two have challenges adapting to Barcelona culture and the social scene; they have challenges adapting to one another's presence. The film has some humorous dialogue and visuals. Made over two decades ago, this one has aged reasonably well.
Rated 3.5/5 Stars •
Rated 3.5 out of 5 stars
01/15/23
Full Review
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