This is one of those strange movies that I enjoy heavily on first viewing and fall bad on a second one. For example, I found the character of Javier Bardem incredibly appealing, but saw a cheap and pretentious character second time around, as if the overly self-conscious Woody Allen was desperate to appease. As for Penélope Cruz, I praised her profusely for her portrayal of the crazy-but-gifted ex-lover. Well, the performance is good, but the appeal wore off, but it remains my favorite of her performances. I guess the main appeal of the movie is the concept of open relationships (and frank sex talk).