Movie Reviews
Match Point
Rated R (2005)
Starring: Jonathan Rhys-Meyers, Scarlett Johansson, Emily Mortimer, Matthew Goode, Brian Cox, Penelope Wilton
Direction: Woody Allen
Production: Letty Aronson, Lucy Darwin, Stephen Tenenbaum, Gareth Wiley
Screenplay: Woody Allen
by Vincent St. James
The Lowdown:
Woody Allen joins a host of other director's who have shown thus far this year that they still have what it takes to bring us the high-quality movies...and this one was worth every buck. Scarett Johansson, Jonathan Rhys-Meyers and the rest of the cast are great onscreen, and the script is second to none.
Luck, or skill?
I've seen a lot of movies, and I find that as time goes on, those that are just so well done that it's as if you should've paid more to see it--well, they're a little far in between these days. But when you see one, it's what I call movie paradise. It's happened once or twice this year, and it's happened with Woody Allen's Match Point.
This is easily one of the best films of the year for many reasons. First and foremost is the script. Why? Because we have seen dozens of movies about couples' relationship problems, sob stories and infidelity. Therefore, to make a movie driven by character development and their interaction with loved ones actually stand out seems like an impossible chore. And that is why this has got to be one of the best scripts I've ever seen. It involves all of the good stuff we like in romance, suspense and relationship-drama and puts it all together ever so elegantly. Of course, this goes hand in hand with Woody Allen's direction. This is the first film in a long time that I see of Woody's that is anything to write home about.
The plot seems simple, and I will give away as little as possible as to maximize the user experience. There is Jonathan Rhys-Meyers as Chris Wilton, an Irish tennis player who has found himself in an enviable position of being involved with the daughter of one of the most successful businessman in Britain named Alec, played well by Brian Cox. His good friend is his girlfriend's brother, and this friend's fiance is American Nola Rice, played by Scarlett Johansson. What ensues is a plot riddled with conflicting love interests, and it's played out in a rather breathtaking manner.
Now, I don't like to build up movies too much, so I'll just say that what works for me may not for others. But this movies relentless, unforgiving, pacing and situational drama is just as good as one could ever expect from a movie. In a rarity from most other films this year, there is unequivocal passion and chemistry between the lead actors, and it lends directly from the script. The London backdrop is used effectively, and Woody Allen does a good job of leaving the viewer wonder what is going to happen next. This is one of those films that can go anywhere, in any direction, and make you believe that it can't pull if off...and then does.
The acting is formidable. Rhys-Meyers is good as the lead, and has a very Joaquin Phoenix-esque air to him. Scarlett Johansson is impressive. I admit before this picture I thought of her as mostly eye candy to be used to draw viewers to films like The Island. Well, I was wrong.
However enough can't be said about Woody Allen's efforts as writer and director. He is deserving of Best Director and Best Screenplay Oscar Nominations, and his films should at least have a chance at Best Picture.
This film is important in that it shows the effects of extreme relationship drama on the psyche and individual thought-process. Characters change, as in real life, and they seemingly lose control of their reality. It is a good film that highlights what can go wrong when there is conflict of interest in one's internal self and the problems that arise when one wants to have it all.
The impact of this movie is great, and I must say that it was fun to watch. This year has many films that are relevant to society and the world we live in. They are important and try to cause awareness. This film, however, is just good old-fashion moviemaking, and perhaps the most entertaining of the year. Very, very well done.
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