Vicky Cristina Barcelona (2008)
Written and Directed by Woody Allen
Rebecca Hall & Scarlett Johansson in Vicky Cristina Barcelona
In her last film with Woody Allen, Johansson shared the screen with Rebecca Hall, Penelope Cruz, and Javier Bardem in a comedic love triangle. Vicky (Rebecca Hall) and Cristina (Scarlett Johansson) are pursued by famous artist Juan Antonio (Javier Bardem) while vacationing.
Javier Bardem, Rebecca Hall & Scarlett Johansson in Vicky Cristina Barcelona
Allen’s casting on this film insured him of a sexually vibrant pyrotechnic powered display of musical chairs that culminates with Juan’s mentally unbalanced ex-wife, Maria Elena (Penelope Cruz) showing up. Cristina is fire while Vicky is ice, but Juan Antonio is a seasoned lothario with the patience for the seduction of both young women. Barden is in his element as he patiently pursues both Vicky and Cristina. It is among Allen’s best efforts and manages to bring back the screw ball comedy with a delightful showcase of talented performers.
Penelope Cruz & Scarlett Johansson in Vicki Cristina Barcelona
The Other Boleyn Girl (2008)
Directed by Justin Chadwick
Scarlett Johansson & Natalie Portman in The Other Boleyn Girl (2008)
Released in the same year, The Other Boleyn Girl is a very different kind of triangle. Based on the bodice ripper by Philippa Gregory. Although not adhering to reality, she applies what we have learned from what Chaucer and Boccaccio have demonstrated: it’s easier to digest facts when administered within tawdry tales!
Scarlett Johansson in The Other Boleyn Girl (2008)
Although lost in a pot boiler, both Johansson and Portman manage to pull the story out of the pot before it can boil over. Portman is in top form with a relaxed royalty and Johansson with an outward thrust of feelings in her reactions that clearly reveal the character’s complicated emotions.
Scarlett Johansson & Natalie Portman in The Other Boleyn Girl (2008)
Facts, Rumors & Hearsay
Vicky Cristina Barcelona
Javier Barden (Juan Antonio) and Penelope Cruz (María Elena) play a divorced couple in the film. In reality, they started a relationship while working on the film and married in July 2010. However, they didn’t meet on the set of this film; they met on the set of Cruz’ first feature, Jamon Jamon (1992) when she was 16.
This is the second movie Rebecca Hall and Scarlett Johansson starred in together, the other being The Prestige
The Other Boleyn Girl
The cast includes Oscar winners: Natalie Portmen, Mark Rylance, and Eddie Redmayne as well as Oscar Nominees: Scarlett Johansson, Benedict Cumberbatch, Dame Kristen Scott, and Andrew Garfield.
The sighting of Anne’s ghost has been documented many times in the tower of London where she was executed and also at Hever Castle, her childhood home.