Match Point: A
BY PATRICIA DRAZNIN
Jonathan Rhys Meyers gives pointers to Scarlett Johansson in Match
Point (©2005 Dreamworks LL).
“The man who said ‘I’d rather be lucky than
good’ saw deeply into life. People are afraid to face how great a part
of life is dependent on luck. It’s scary to think so much is out of one’s
control. There are moments in a match when the ball hits the top of the net,
and for a split second it can either go forward or fall back. With a little
luck, it goes forward and you win . . . or maybe it doesn’t, and you
lose."
The opening narration introduces us to a bold premise whose proof is
brilliantly executed by Woody Allen’s riveting and well-crafted
drama. Shakespearean in its study of human nature with all of its strengths,
passions, and flaws, Match Point—whose title is a play on the winning
point in tennis—delivers its meaning in layers that continue to
unfold long after the movie ends.
Realizing that his pro tennis career is not destined for the top of the
circuit, Chris Wilton (Jonathan Rhys Meyers) teaches tennis to London’s
upper class while seeking his new vocation. As a coach to Tom Hewitt (Matthew
Goode), Chris gets “adopted” by Tom’s wealthy family;
Tom’s sister (Emily Mortimer) falls in love with him and Tom’s
father gives him a position in his company. But when Chris meets Tom’s
seductive American fiancée, Nola (Scarlett Johansson), his life
takes a complicated turn.
These are all the plot points you’ll ever hear from me. The less
you know, the more you’ll enjoy this extraordinary movie laced with
insight, tension, and a little opera, which has been Oscar nominated for
best original screenplay. And for which its writer/director and its leading
actor (Rhys Meyers) would have received wider recognition had the film
been released between January and September during the scheduled Hollywood
entertainment drought.
While Match Point dabbles in familiar issues, it’s not a signature
Woody. It’s not a comedy, nor does Allen appear onscreen, nor is
it staged in his beloved New York City, but in London. And most of
its fine performers hail from the UK. Jonathan Rhys Meyers (Bend It Like
Beckham) is a casting coup whose emotional range of intensity steals the
show. And whose unexpected trajectory will have you gripping your seat
and might even give you a stomachache if you’re a wimp like me—not
that it would stop me from seeing it again. Whether you’re an ex-fan,
a non-fan, or a devotee, this uncharacteristic Woody is a moviegoer’s
destination.
Add this page to your favorite Social Bookmarking websites         
 |
Articles 
Subscribe to this comment's feed