Almost a masterpiece

Rating: 5/10 (18 June 2006)

I am an Allen's fan, and I love his movies when they are truly amazing, as some of them are (the list should be long). However, besides that, he has always made small entertaining quickly-shot movies that I like much less, but that would be good enough if not directed by Allen. He did a couple of such kind of movies recently.
"Match Point" does not it either category. It is shot as a "genre" film, which Allen loves to do, shot and taken place in Britain, as an Ivory movie, underlying the inside perversity of British high society. The story is full of questions, the actors are tremendous, but... I am disappointed! Why? I did know at first sight. I believe that the movie is challenging, and that Allen did not achieved his goal. Nola's character is finally not deep enough, despise the great talent of Scarlett Johansson. She even get us hoping more about the depth and tragedy of her character. Unfortunately, she does not appear to be such a fatal woman as she is supposed to be one, because of her appearing sensibility.She really loves Chris. And the scenario treats her character as a supporting one, explaining Chris'choices. Chris as well, did not succeed in being a tormented person, choosing deliberately to have a classical and healthy life, even if it is fake. The moment of the choice and the final ending are too quick. Only the ghosts of 2 dead women are there to suggest the terrible inside dilemma and guiltiness. The British actors (devonian, londoner and Scottish ones)are perfect in their supporting roles. I guess it is not the fault of the actors. It simply does not work, after having been mostly promising. That is a pity!!