Barcelona

Plot

During the 1980s, uptight Ted Boynton is a salesman working in the Barcelona office of a Chicago-based company. He receives an unexpected visit from his cousin Fred, a naval officer who has come to Spain on a public relations mission for a U.S. fleet. Not exactly friends in the past, Ted and Fred strike up relationships with women in the Spanish city and experience conflicts -- Ted with his employer, and Fred with the Barcelona community.

Why watch

Ted Boynton, a meticulous salesman, finds his orderly life disrupted by the arrival of his cousin Fred in Barcelona. As they navigate the complexities of romance and work in a foreign city, their contrasting personalities lead to humorous and revealing encounters. Watching this film feels like eavesdropping on a series of witty conversations that explore the nuances of human connection against the backdrop of cultural dislocation.

Talking points

• the impact of cultural dislocation on identity
• the nature of familial relationships
• the role of humor in navigating awkward situations
• the portrayal of American expatriates in foreign settings

Cultural context

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