After taking in director Whit Stillman’s latest film Damsels in Distress, his first in 13
years, it became apparent to me that I had a blank spot for a much-loved modern
director. Stillman directed three films in the 90s, this one, Metropolitan, and The Last Days of Disco. Each one is highly regarded in many circles
as being clever, unique, and influential. And here I am having seen none of
them. After seeing Damsels and being
ridiculously charmed by it, I decided it was time I give Stillman’s other stuff
a try. So here I am, digging in, and I have to say my first foray into the
man’s 90s work was a little disappointing. Barcelona
is about a square US businessman working in Barcelona Spain who experiences
a bit of upheaval when his cousin, a Naval officer, comes to visit. People hang
out, a lot of chatting goes on, the difference between the US and Europe is
discussed at length, and there is even a bit of an action plot that develops.
The one thing I loved about Damsels that
is also on display here is the wit of Stillman’s dialogue. There are a lot of
talky scenes and more often than not the patter of the dialogue is enough to
keep one amused. But this isn’t as consistently funny as Damsels. It doesn’t have anybody delivering the words as
comedically talented as Greta Gerwig. And while the characters in Damsels are wholly unique, almost fairy
tale creations, the characters here feel very much like real people. And not
necessarily people I would want to spend time with. These guys are upper class
pseudo intellectuals who don’t even have a self-effacing insecurity about who
they are like the characters in Noah Baumbach films due. I laughed at the guys
in this movie a few times, but I never cared about them. Once some intrigue and
some gunplay gets introduced I was hoping that it would prop up the third act,
and I have to admit I did find the strange turn interesting; but ultimately it
wasn’t enough to make this movie a complete success. Barcelona is mildly amusing, often interesting, but not so much
engaging.
