Woody Allen is a bleak, amoral little man, and “Match Point” reflects this philosophy of life. By no means a comedy, and absent the presence of the man himself (and, thank God, any actor trying to talk like him), this is an intelligent, well-written thriller about infidelity, ambition and justice.
Released from the no longer successful mold of bittersweet, witty, neurotic romances between Allen and an unrealistically pretty woman taking place in New York City, “Match Point” is a welcome and successful departure. You can’t even tell it’s a Woody Allen movie, except for the opening credits, and that, at this point in his career, is a good thing.
Jonathan Rhys Meyers and Scarlett Johansson star, providing a pouty-lipped pairing more thrilling than Angelina Jolie and Brad Pitt. Meyers is an ambitious former tennis star, looking for opportunities in London as a tennis pro in a posh club. He takes up with a wealthy, rakish young guy who opens up a world of privilege and comfort to him, in the form of his sweet, guileless sister.
His good looks and pleasing demeanor ingratiate Rhys Meyers easily into their rarefied world, and it seems nothing can stop him from succeeding. Nothing, of course, except the irresistibly fetching Scarlett Johansson, an unsuccessful American actress engaged to the brother. Two outsiders in a world of genial but absolute snobbery, their attraction would be fatal to their positions.
As predictable as what follows may seem, I assure you it is not. In addition to the riveting plot twists, the character development is terrific. Allen has created believable, if sometimes detestable, people, with complicated motives and inner lives. These are further brought to life by the great cast. And one thing has not changed in Woody Allen’s move across the big pond: his selection of enviable locations. He wasn’t just in love with New York; he has a great feel for this kind of thing. You may not like his movies, but you’ve got to love the apartments. However, in “Match Point” you don’t have to choose.
“Match Point” is now playing in theaters.
I said that “Match Point” wasn’t a comedy, but compared to “Capote” I guess it kind of is. Brilliantly realized and hauntingly performed, “Capote” is one of the most intense movies I have ever seen. It tells the true story of Truman Capote writing his true crime classic “In Cold Blood,” a hugely successful book that changed the non-fiction genre. This film, like that book, is devastating.
I already knew Capote wasn’t a very nice guy, but now I feel I’ve experienced it personally. However, the story is more complicated than that. It is that emotional complexity that makes this film so intense. Two hours is a long time with no character to root for. The closest we come to feeling sympathy is for one of the killers that Capote is interviewing for his book. In a crucial moment in the film, however, we are reminded that he shot four people.
This is, without a doubt, a masterful piece of work by the writer, director and actors. All Oscar nominations are well-deserved. Phillip Seymour Hoffman is tremendous as Truman Capote, a larger-than-life figure portrayed here as a manipulator of the highest order. What is interesting is that, for much of the film, we, as viewers, come to equate his crime of the emotional manipulation of one of the killers with the murders that the man committed. When we are made to remember and experience what the killer has done, it is shockingly painful.
This moment exists for Capote as well, and once he seems to begin to feel real pain in the situation, he is somewhat redeemed as a person. I could go on about the conflicting emotions created by this movie. That is what makes it so worthwhile and so almost dreadfully painful to experience. I think “Brokeback Mountain” is still my choice for Best Picture-it was more moving. This film was more cerebral, and certainly an achievement. A worthwhile film in every way. What a lot of good movies there were this year, and they almost all came to Mobile! When I saw “Capote” there were lots of people there, and it was noon on a weekday.
Contact Asia Frey at afrey@lagniappemobile.com.
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