Woody Allen scores big with "Matchpoint"
The Secret to a Good Shot is in the Follow-Through
Jonathon Holmes
Issue date: 2/9/06 Section: Arts & Entertainment
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If you are looking for a zany, funny, offbeat romantic comedy with a neurotic, whiny middle-aged male character, then this is not the film for you.
Although written and directed by funnyman Woody Allen, Match Point is a suspenseful romantic drama that tells the story of Chris Wilton (Jonathan Rhys-Meyers), a former tennis pro and social elite wannabe, who takes a job teaching tennis at a London country club in hope of connecting himself to the British upper class.
Chris befriends Tom Hewett (Matthew Goode), a member of the club, and soon climbs the social ladder. Chris finds easy acceptance into the influential Hewett family for his charm. He also wins over Tom's younger sister Chloe (Emily Mortimer).
Chris patiently and skillfully romances Chloe and soon lands himself in a profitable deep relationship. All would have been perfect if not for one bit of bad luck: Chris becomes obsessed with Tom's American girlfriend Nola (Scarlett Johansson.)
Match Point, Allen's best work since Crimes and Misdemeanors (1989), received a lot of publicity since appearing at the 2005 Cannes Film Festival as well as receiving a 2006 Oscar nomination for best screenplay.
Here, Allen makes several major changes to his filmmaking that both surprise and thrill. Allen's changes create a new look and present a serious approach to this drama. Although the plot bears strong similarities to Crimes, elaborate details and refined story design strengthen Match Point's suspense.
Allen successfully steps away from the familiar Manhattan where many of his stories are set. Match Point is filmed entirely in England. Known for their distinct separation of classes, Britain's upper-class atmosphere creates a perfect backdrop for this tale of deception, infidelity and passion. This change of setting separates the audience from any preconceived ideas or expectations often associated with other Woody Allen films.
Another traditional Allen element absent from this film is the complicated, multiple storylines that he often utilizes. In abandoning this complexity, Allen creates a more intense single storyline and allows for broader development of the characters. In doing so, Allen immerses the audience into the character's lives to achieve a realistic atmosphere.
Although written and directed by funnyman Woody Allen, Match Point is a suspenseful romantic drama that tells the story of Chris Wilton (Jonathan Rhys-Meyers), a former tennis pro and social elite wannabe, who takes a job teaching tennis at a London country club in hope of connecting himself to the British upper class.
Chris befriends Tom Hewett (Matthew Goode), a member of the club, and soon climbs the social ladder. Chris finds easy acceptance into the influential Hewett family for his charm. He also wins over Tom's younger sister Chloe (Emily Mortimer).
Chris patiently and skillfully romances Chloe and soon lands himself in a profitable deep relationship. All would have been perfect if not for one bit of bad luck: Chris becomes obsessed with Tom's American girlfriend Nola (Scarlett Johansson.)
Match Point, Allen's best work since Crimes and Misdemeanors (1989), received a lot of publicity since appearing at the 2005 Cannes Film Festival as well as receiving a 2006 Oscar nomination for best screenplay.
Here, Allen makes several major changes to his filmmaking that both surprise and thrill. Allen's changes create a new look and present a serious approach to this drama. Although the plot bears strong similarities to Crimes, elaborate details and refined story design strengthen Match Point's suspense.
Allen successfully steps away from the familiar Manhattan where many of his stories are set. Match Point is filmed entirely in England. Known for their distinct separation of classes, Britain's upper-class atmosphere creates a perfect backdrop for this tale of deception, infidelity and passion. This change of setting separates the audience from any preconceived ideas or expectations often associated with other Woody Allen films.
Another traditional Allen element absent from this film is the complicated, multiple storylines that he often utilizes. In abandoning this complexity, Allen creates a more intense single storyline and allows for broader development of the characters. In doing so, Allen immerses the audience into the character's lives to achieve a realistic atmosphere.