film

Barcelona is the second instalment in Whit Stillman's loosely connected trilogy of comedies about privileged but socially awkward young professionals, the others in the series being Metropolitan and The Last Days of Disco, both of which are well worth seeking out too. Set in our city during the early 1980s, it follows American cousins Ted, a reserved salesman, and Fred, a charismatic naval officer, whose contrasting personalities lead to friction as they navigate romance, diplomacy and anti-American sentiment. 

Against a glorious backdrop of post-Franco, pre-Olympics Barna, Stillman mixes sharp dialogue, understated humour and keen social observation into a comedy of manners with an international twist. He finds comedy in conversation, cultural misunderstandings and ideological clashes, balancing satire and genuine affection for its characters.