Match Point (2005)
Directed by: Woody Allen
Premise: A tennis player turned business executive (Jonathan Rhys Meyers) falls for the fiance (Scarlett Johansson) of his soon-to-be brother in law. As their affair goes on he is pushed to extreme lengths to keep the affair a secret.
What Works: The performances in the film are very strong. Meyers and Johansson do a great job portraying characters that are less than likeable and keeping them engaging. The script accomplishes some incredible feats in its characterization, especially in Meyers’ role. The film has a gradation in its tone as Meyers’ character sinks deeper into the hole he has dug for himself and the film makes no apologies for its ending.
What Doesn’t: Match Point is mean and those who insist upon cheering for the protagonist may find the film inaccessible.
Bottom Line: Match Point is not an easy film but it is so well executed that the artistic integrity of the film cannot be ignored.
Episode: #89 (March 26, 2006)