Genius Interpretation of Love and Life

Rating: 10/10 (3 May 2012)

Allen uses a plethora of in depth character development and heavy plot development to create his intriguing story. The majority of the first half of the movie is dedicated to a full understanding of the true nature of Allen's characters. This is essential to the heavy weighted plot development and leads to a undoubtedly shocking climax. Within that one can feel a true emotional connection to the characters and the choices that they make.
As an avid action movie fanatic I was quite surprised with the continued interest I held throughout this movie. The interconnections of characters and the environment they live in serve as powerful allusions to the discrepancy between wealth and happiness. One of the most powerful lines of the movies arrives when Chris Wilton played by Jonathan Rhys Meyers exclaims "I would be lying if I were to say that I have not grown accustom to the life I live." This is in reference to the wealth, safety, and comfort that Meyers has grown accustom while being a part of a wealthy and prominent English family.
This is truly significant and genius because it illuminates a much larger discrepancy between societal values. The difference between the human desire for happiness and the human desires for importance and wealth are prevalent in modern society. Match Point illustrates this difference with beautiful character development and connection. The viewer is built up throughout the movie growing fond of Scarlett Johansson's character Nola Rice and feeling the love between Nola and Chris.
However the climax treads an entirely different direction when Chris decides to murder Nola in cold blood and continue his life of wealth and prominence lending to the allusion of social values. Chris Wilton decisions to disregard his feeling of love demonstrate the insurmountable draw to affluence over his notion of inner happiness.