Economist
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June 11, 2009 at 8:16 pm
Since Woody Allen wrote this we can assume, for sake of argument, it is auto-biographical and he is portraying the problems of being an artist.
As I see it, Juan and Maria are the same person. Maria symbolizes the artistic side of Juan but does not surface from his unconscious until he is in a relationship with a woman. Thus when Cristina moves in with Juan his feminine reappears and he becomes creative again. BUT Cristina cannot tolerate being second fiddle to Juan’s feminine artistic side, or cannot handle it and moves out. Juan then loses his artistic muse. When Juan tries again with Vicky his muse protests so violently someone gets injured.
Given Woody’s problems with romance it may be a justification. Thanks for listening.
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June 11, 2009 at 9:02 pm
Hmmmmmmmmmmmmm.
August 7, 2009 at 10:34 am
Interesting. That type of raw, unfettered masculinity (the Spaniard) is the opposite of the Woody Allen type (the neurotic).
American culture is very repressed, and perhaps this film suggest a desire for a dionysian, celebratory form of sexuality. Masculinity in America has been in crisis, after all, for some time. The present day incarnation of a man on film is usually the bumbling fool who nevertheless manages to get the girl.
The film Barcelona makes a contrast. It would be interesting to look at the American fantasy of Spain through the two movies. In that one it is the Spanish women who are seductive vixens to the American men.