A masterful Point
Angela Baldassarre

Match Point
Starring Jonathan Rhys-Meyers and Scarlett Johansson. Directed by Woody Allen.



Finally a Woody Allen film that is not immersed in self-pitying analysis and self-promotional conceit. Not only is the director, or any impression of him, missing from “Match Point,” but so is his beloved set of New York City, here substituted appropriately by London. The result is a handsome and convincing thriller that unfortunately retains too many unanswered questions.

An ominous atmosphere is set almost immediately as Chris (Jonathan Rhys-Meyers), a former tennis pro, befriends wealthy student Tom Hewett (Matthew Goode) with his impressive and intelligent movie, music and literary references. The script here is so good, in fact, that I was quickly reminded of one of Allen’s better films, “Crimes and Misdemeanors” where the good and wickedness is revealed through sleight of comedy and drama. Though we don’t know much of Chris or his background, we feel uneasy when he takes up with Tom’s sister, Chloe (Emily Mortimer) whom he eventually marries even after he shacks up one night with Tom’s sultry drunken American dancer girlfriend Nola (Scarlett Johansson) while at the country. But once Nola leaves, Chris begins rising in his father-in-law’s business. But Nola returns, and though things aren’t cool between Chris and Chloe who is desperate for a child (I’m never sure why) matters get hot for him and Nola, to the point where tragedy sets in.

“Match Point” moves like a gorgeous piece of classical music — fluid and steady. Though I was never sure of Chris’ motivations, even when I questioned why he would jeopardize so much when pursuing Nola, things still made sense within the personage Allen had created. The film is such a lovely departure for the filmmaker, whose introduction into a new milieu is welcome and mature. He’s always had the smarts to intelligently analyze the social classes, but lately he was swayed by more personal, futile attempts.

With “Match Point” he’s writing and directing like the master filmmaker he is.

I saw a preview for this last week and it looks good.

this film sounds like a complete anomaly to everything else he's done...though i guess "love and death" and "sleeper" weren't technically set in NYC, or necessarily filmed in NYC (though i could be wrong).

i hope it's as good as they're saying. i don't like disliking woody allen movies.

"To call Match Point Woody Allen's comeback would be an understatement — it's the most vital return to form for any director since Robert Altman made The Player."
-- Owen Gleiberman, ENTERTAINMENT WEEKLY

Ace said:

i wasn't really crazy about 'the player'....and i LOVE '3 women', and kinda even liked 'popeye' (though, ok, the last time i saw it i was like 10)...

i have no idea what bearing this has on anything.

Anxiety said:

Not a big Altman fan here myself, so I can't help ya out.

Ace said:

me either...he's done a few films that are among my 2nd tier favorites (3 women, come back to the five and dime) but his stuff is kinda all over the place to me, and i think his '90s stuff is generally pretty weak. so let us speak no more of altman.

Jonathan Rhys-Meyers

and kinda even liked 'popeye' (though, ok, the last time i saw it i was like 10)...

This is going to be the next film that I c. I love Woody Allen movies, even though I cant forget the whole child molesting thing.

dreamfactory313 said:

There was no child molestation (that was an accusation of Mia Farrow's that was thrown out of court).

Ace said:

Well, he did marry his adopted step daughter. Isnt that a bit peculiar?

dreamfactory313 said:

Not his step-daughter, but - yes - peculiar and shitty.
[Edited 12/28/05 13:38pm]

Ace said:

Right. Not step daughter. I made a mistake. He is a brilliant writer/filmmaker though.

dreamfactory313 said:

Obviously, I agree. It's a shame he let his dick get the best of him, 'cause there is much wisdom in his films. I guess it's a situation of "If I could take my own advice...".

Not his step-daughter, but - yes - peculiar and shitty.

Ace said:

She is the daughter of his then-wife. Doesn't that make her a step-daughter?

He and Mia never officially married - but adopted a couple children together. Still - he served as the "step father" to all of her children. All very selfish and unseemly indeed... however...

I am on board, Ace! Can't wait to see this film! Looks very Hitchcokian!
Thanks for the reviews!

he served as the "step father" to all of her children.

I predict this will be a huge hit.

DiminutiveRocker said:

Incorrect. All accounts concur that he little to no paternal relationship with several of the children, including Soon-Yi.