I recently watched vickycristinabarcelona, and Woody Allen (producer-cum-director) did not disappoint.
In fact, I WAS BLOWN AWAY.
Check out the trailer.
In short, the story starts off with 2 best friends (one would stereotype a smart brunette and a dumb blonde), Vicky (Rebecca Hall) and Cristina (Scarlett Johansson) vacationing in barcelona: Vicky to complete her masters, Cristina... well, because she was bored. It was at an art gallery where they met an artist, Juan Antonio (Javier Bardem), who charmed them with his paintings, philosophy and wine. He managed to develop relationships with both women, although he still harboured a passion for his ex-wife Maria Elena (Penelope Cruz).
"I like to invite you both to spend the weekend.
We'll eat well, we'll drink good wine,
we'll make love..." - Juan Antonio
Unfortunately, Juan Antonio did not have his way, although he did had both women... only at different occasions!
Here was where the twist came in.
Cristina, now living with Juan Antonio, had approved of Maria Elena staying together with them. During the days together Maria Elena stopped bickering with Juan Antonio and they resumed their sexual relationship, with the blessing of Cristina. She too, found her lesbian tendencies with Maria Elena while maintaining her relationship with Juan Antonio!
"You're the missing ingredient,
like of this warm feeling
when I hear you both (Cristina and Juan Antonio)
love and passion (sic) every night." - Maria Elena
Now, I feel that Woody Allen was asking:
"Is there a missing link to a relationship?"
"What do you think of three, instead of two?"
If Woody's theory was right, then all the relational theories, of Knapp's, Duck's, as well as Messick's and Cook's would be thrown apart. Never has relationship been redefined this way. Conventionally, we have been brought up on duality. That is, it is normal to have 2 arms, 2 legs, 2 eyes, 2 breasts, 2 humans co-inhibiting with each other, 2 (man and woman) to reproduce. And of course, marriage. Of 2 persons. Monogamy.
That said, certain cultures (though rare) practice polygamy (or rather polygyny). And statistics have proven that those involved in polygamy did not show signs of dissatisfaction or feuds. In fact, they (pro-polygamy) say that the communication has improved.
Is that so?
They say "three's a crowd". Under Singapore law, it is illegal to have 2 or more spouses at the same time. But with rising divorce rates, mostly due to "irreconcilable differences" (yea we know that), is polygamy the solution? Will such a radical idea improve the relationship, in the forms of proximity, exchange, and especially competency?
On the other hand, I know of detractors that say: "hey, that is not what Woody meant."
And I am prepared.
Is a child (having one), the missing link to mis-communicating relationships then?
And since we did culture recently, will most cultures accept and preach polygamy to the masses, assuming the benefits for society?
In fact, I WAS BLOWN AWAY.
Check out the trailer.
In short, the story starts off with 2 best friends (one would stereotype a smart brunette and a dumb blonde), Vicky (Rebecca Hall) and Cristina (Scarlett Johansson) vacationing in barcelona: Vicky to complete her masters, Cristina... well, because she was bored. It was at an art gallery where they met an artist, Juan Antonio (Javier Bardem), who charmed them with his paintings, philosophy and wine. He managed to develop relationships with both women, although he still harboured a passion for his ex-wife Maria Elena (Penelope Cruz).
"I like to invite you both to spend the weekend.
We'll eat well, we'll drink good wine,
we'll make love..." - Juan Antonio
Unfortunately, Juan Antonio did not have his way, although he did had both women... only at different occasions!
Here was where the twist came in.
Cristina, now living with Juan Antonio, had approved of Maria Elena staying together with them. During the days together Maria Elena stopped bickering with Juan Antonio and they resumed their sexual relationship, with the blessing of Cristina. She too, found her lesbian tendencies with Maria Elena while maintaining her relationship with Juan Antonio!
"You're the missing ingredient,
like of this warm feeling
when I hear you both (Cristina and Juan Antonio)
love and passion (sic) every night." - Maria Elena
Now, I feel that Woody Allen was asking:
"Is there a missing link to a relationship?"
"What do you think of three, instead of two?"
If Woody's theory was right, then all the relational theories, of Knapp's, Duck's, as well as Messick's and Cook's would be thrown apart. Never has relationship been redefined this way. Conventionally, we have been brought up on duality. That is, it is normal to have 2 arms, 2 legs, 2 eyes, 2 breasts, 2 humans co-inhibiting with each other, 2 (man and woman) to reproduce. And of course, marriage. Of 2 persons. Monogamy.
That said, certain cultures (though rare) practice polygamy (or rather polygyny). And statistics have proven that those involved in polygamy did not show signs of dissatisfaction or feuds. In fact, they (pro-polygamy) say that the communication has improved.
Is that so?
They say "three's a crowd". Under Singapore law, it is illegal to have 2 or more spouses at the same time. But with rising divorce rates, mostly due to "irreconcilable differences" (yea we know that), is polygamy the solution? Will such a radical idea improve the relationship, in the forms of proximity, exchange, and especially competency?
On the other hand, I know of detractors that say: "hey, that is not what Woody meant."
And I am prepared.
Is a child (having one), the missing link to mis-communicating relationships then?
And since we did culture recently, will most cultures accept and preach polygamy to the masses, assuming the benefits for society?
2 comments:
hello! :D
personally i do not think numbers matter (whether its threesome, having kids, affairs, etc.) when it comes to relational maintenance.
i strongly believe that if both parties want their relationship to work out, there'd be ways to overcome any circumstances or obstacles along the way. and of course, they have to work things out together.
there is no need for any introduction of extra being to "spice things up". afterall, three is indeed a crowd. if two parties cant even handle their problems, what makes them think that an extra load of problems from the third party can make things better?
hey nick!
speaking about polygamy.. i was transcribing a phone interview on an HBO original series "Big Love" last friday and it revolved a family of polygamists too!
starring Bill Paxton, it's about him and his 3 wives, juggling a home improvement business and family problems.
the show's is in its second season, and apparently it is very well-received in the US!
not so much on the controversial issues like polygamist and their mormon beliefs, but the show emphasizes more on tolerance..
well back to the point,
i guess the mass public is fairly okay with watching about polygamy on tv and reading it on the papers, but really being in a threesome relationship?
doubt we are so open about sharing our other halves!
well, at least tt's what i think :D
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