Luck?

Rating: 10/10 (16 May 2006)

Luck. That is what Chris Wilton describes at the opening scene of MATCH POINT... Please take note that the thoughts explored in that opening are exactly what is explored in the closing scene. The film is a matter-of-factly depiction of the troubles one has to face during extra-marital affairs, or forbidden relationships for that matter. Jonathan Rhys Meyers plays the character with the much needed intensity and bustling pressure that occupy Chris Wilton. Johansson is able to stand out as the strong-willed Nola Rice, aggressive and anxious to put things to a resolve suspense builds as she always desires to make things her way if Chris's actions aren't enough for her... Bryan Cox is excellent as Alec, the father-in-law of Chris, this is the first time I have seen Cox with an English accent... same with all other players, they shine in this Woody Allen piece. Woody Allen handles his work with the D.P. and camera operators very well, some interesting shots, long takes e.g. the scene where Chris bumps into Nola in the sidewalk and walks her into her audition and many more.
The suspense in this tragic drama builds to an almost unbearable level when Rhys-Meyer's character decides to do the deed that will be the turning point towards the climax of the movie. The intensity of his portrayal of what Chris is going through in those scenes is perfect and only appropriate. As with most of the movie, that turning point of a scene is accentuated with some opera music as well, and more spine-chilling in it's melody at that during the sequence.
Well, the movie does not end as ... Nola Rice (Scarlett Johansson) would have had it, but it does not end on an "up" note either. And it does not end the way you think it would, if you can tell my train of thought (no, not a happy ending) but not that either. Instead it closes with a little discrepancy, in fact a little twist that happens against Chris Wilton's act in the end of the film... and as mentioned in the opening scene, it closes with a little bit of luck. Just watch what I mean. The "lucky" element is a visual parallel of the first thing you see when the film opens. Excellent filming of the "objects" involved in what I am referring to.
Allen has done a terrific job in weaving a tale of passion, obsession and the release of self-control and decisiveness and the consequences of it in this life. Whatever his intentions have been, MATCH POINT has been a most engrossing, suspenseful and riveting experience of cinema.
Grade A+