Review of Match Point (2005) by Jay R — 02 Apr 2010

Don't fall off your chairs, but this is the first Woody Allen film I have ever seen. Yes I know it is long overdue and I must say, I was impressed by what happened. Delivering philosophical views on marriage, the urge to commit adultery and reason why infidelity occurs center around these group of talented actors. The cast is wonderful, all the performances are great, well rounded and, when needed, seductive. Allen also does a great deal of the aspect of luck. Can luck be created? Or does it simply keep appearing when it is needed. The most interesting aspect of the movie is that it depicts a man trying to escape when he doesn't need to. Yet, we sympathize with him, which leads us to question our own moral values. If you couldn't guess, this movie is full of questions. Questions to us, to the characters and about life in general. Are some answered? Yes, but Allen masterfully leaves some of the questions unanswered. The last 30 minutes of this movie take an unexpected turn as a true understanding of obsession arises. Match Point casts a spell that is seductive and twisted, much like its characters. The subject matter is more mature, and people looking for entertainment will scoff at this. This isn't about entertainment though. This is about how lucky someone can be. If you are lucky enough to see this film up for rental, go and get it.

The performances of this movie are all done so well, its hard to pick a favourite among them. So much talent is here and Allen directs them wonderfully. Jonathan Rhys Meyers is a standout lead here displays an honest man who is put to the ultimate test. His character encounters so many questions and conflict, you can understand what happens at the end of the movie. He is simply a man of luck, as the opening says. Sometimes the ball goes over the net, sometimes it doesn't. Emily Mortimer as Meyer's wife is also excellent. She believes in moving quickly for a relationship. She depicts the wife not as a nagging wench, but as a person who is able to present ideas and arguments clearly. This causes massive conflict for Meyer's when he meets the femme fatale played by Scarlette Johanson. Temptation overpowers loyalty and Meyers and Johansson have an affair. I shall not spoil the sparks that fly, but this movie is deep, sexually disarming and alluring. The rest of the cast is stellar as well. Mathew Goode is more than good as the husband of Johansson who seems to be the innocent man left out of everything. Brian Cox is excellent as well as the father of Emily Mortimer's character. All of the characters are key in constructing Meyer's persona. It relieves him, torments him and lead to questions about himself that he just can't stand.

The plot here is a very intricate one. Basically its an adult character study asking why someone would want to commit infidelity. When Meyers has an affair with Johansson in a rain-covered field, he begins to want more. Lust is blinding him from what he has. Soon he realizes its hopeless and goes back to being faithful. However, once Johansson becomes single again, his need for her begins again. The whole movie is basically a big suspense as you are waiting for someone to discover a clue, someone to say the wrong thing or something to go wrong. As the tension is layered on, the last 30 minutes of the movie hit, and the Meyers' character is shed, and you see who he truly is. What this climax is, I shall not tell you, but it is thrilling and it definitely caught me off guard. There is also a big amount of pain because Mortimer is so sweet, innocent and loyal to Meyers, it is difficult to watch her be cheated on, without her suspecting a thing. In fact that question comes up between Mortimer and Meyers and Meyers gets lucky. Luck is all apart of the game in this film. Meyers just seems to have all of it.

There isn't too much to complain about but some minor problem still exist. Some of the characters are left out to dry for the sake of the main plot. I understand that it isn't really about them anymore, but it would be nice to see the characters come back. Another problem I had was with the editing. Match Point has a very rough feel. While the flow is nice, it has rough patches when it transfers between scenes. I would have preferred smoother transitions between scenes to keep the sensual flow of the mobile up higher. This is a story of sexual integrity and trying to keep it a secret. I felt like it needed to be a bit quicker in order to keep up the sense of hiding. But these are just tiny flaws in a great movie.

For this being my first Woody Allen film, I must say I am thoroughly impressed. His ability to mix an intricate and complex plot with philosophical views of marriage and fidelity is something special. The performances are fantastic, the script is taut and the tension is high. Many people may be torn by the last 30 minutes of this movie where things off the chain. But I personally enjoyed the endings and the rest of the movie. Woody Allen strikes tones that you wouldn't think of and leaving some conventions behind. Game, set and match to Woody Allen.