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NOTE: When answering questions below, make sure you DO NOT re-tell the plot/story or include actors’
names or any background information that has no relevance to the questions below. (The names of the
characters in the first movie were: Vicky, Christina, Marie-Elena & Juan-Antonio.)
1. Questions about “VICKY CHRISTINA BARCELONA”:
This comedy does not rely on slapstick like many Hollywood movies today. The humor does not aim at
entertainment but reflects life in its complexity, in its messiness, contradictions, tragedy, unpredictability and
reversibility. At the same time this comedy does not make life’s complexities too serious or too dark. Humor
here (with the detached voice-over) is used in such a way as to put a psychological distance between the
viewer and the unpredictable events narrated in the film. Explain in your own thread:
a) What events and characters in the film illustrate this existential humor? Give examples.
b) Woody Allen (who made this film) said that for him this story was a tragedy, not a comedy. How can it be a
tragedy? Give at least 2 examples to illustrate this and discuss them.
2. COMPARE “HITCH” and “VICKY CHRISTINA BARCELONA”:
“Hitch” provides a male perspective on dating. How does this comedy compare to a female perspective from
“Vicky Christina”? How is humor used differently in each movie?
3. ABOUT CHARLIE CHAPLIN’S video from his silent movie “CITY LIGHTS” (1931):
This is a satirical scene that makes fun of boxing (usually portrayed in a serious, bloody, violent way). Even
though a silent comedy, this bit is effective. How? Explain briefly.