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Match Point

Thursday, September 14th, 2006 | Film

I’ve finally seen ‘Match Point’. Don’t ask why it took me so long…. This is an intriguing film - although everything inside myself wants to dislike it I just can’t help myself if not loving then at least liking it.

All actors play their part in this ensemble film perfectly: Scarlett Johansson, Emily Mortimer, Penelope Wilton, James Nesbitt, Brian Cox, Rupert Penry-Jones. And the one great player is Jonathan Rhys-Meyers. He’s a revelation. But his character Chris Wilton is a different story. I love Emily Mortimer, her voice is special. And she conveys vulnerability so magnificently (think Dear Frankie). This is why I hate Chris Wilton even more for cheating on his wife (played by Emily). He seemingly has no morals. But then, at times one gets the feeling that he does, that he’s feeling guilty. Especially in the last scenes. That is why in the end I couldn’t just hate him. And strangely I found myself rooting first for him and Nola - then for him and his crime. Although I knew most (if not all) of the basic plot lines in advance I found myself sitting on the edge being all tense and wondering about the next events. This speaks for Woody Allen - this is a movie that doesn’t leave the audience cold.

However, I’m not of the opinion that life is aimless and meaningless even though control over it it is most of the time totally out of our reach. Since I do not share the first opinion I feel strongly that we (human beings) have the responsibilty to think seriously about how to live our life. I’m against deceiving, lying, etc - all the things Chris Wilton gets away with. Not even his probably honest love for Emily softens his actions. That’s why I hate to have a film like ‘Match Point’ manipulate my emotions contrary to my opinions. But I suppose, it is helpful in that it makes me think, re-evaluate, re-consider….

p.s. Scarlett is great. I thought I’d be disappointed because her role is limited. But I felt that she nailed her character perfectly - showed Nola’s sensual, insecure, flirtatious, jealous and desparate sides. There was never a moment where I thought ‘this is Scarlett acting’, I always believed to see the character Nola Rice.

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