not exactly love, is it...

Rating: 7/10 (26 December 2006)

MP is a riff on A PLACE IN THE SUN. I saw SCOOP and NOTES ON A SCANDAL in October 2006 before I saw MATCH POINT tonight Dec 26 2006. ... Each have something in common with the other. As MATCH POINT was produced first and SCOOP secondly I find that SCOOP is a disgrace, out takes from MATCH POINT like some home movie fun project Allen decided to make for himself whilst still in London with a crew and Scarlett Johanssen. SCOOP now seems more reprehensible than when I first saw it 2 months ago . I also now can see how NOTES ON A SCANDAL came about given the acclaim and perfected London based thriller deception both MATCH and NOTES share. Generally one can see a theme in productions that feed from another's success; remember all the supernatural films that followed THE SIXTH SENSE.... even a copycat one with Cate Blanchett (some forgettable thing called THE GIFT set in a swamp in Louisiana and with Giovanni Ribisi).... now she has one like MATCH POINT called NOTES ON A SCANDAL. Friends told me for 12 months to see MATCH POINT and now seeing it as described above makes for reflection of production that I find rather predictable, a line of films I would otherwise not have linked. Lots of other comments here will explain the story and their own take but all I want to acclaim is three things: it is an excellent thriller with a moral and ethical dilemma that allows fate to take the lead... and I like that very much. also: thank God someone has finally given Jonathan Rhys-Meyers a truly decent great role; he deserves it and I have been interested in his career since VELVET GOLDMINE waiting for someone of note to actually showcase his considerable talents. MI3 and the interest of Tom Cruise does not count. .....and finally: the superbly written character of Chloe, the wife to Chris... what a great role and what a superb clean kind humane female part. I really cared for her character. MATCH POINT is a great film; well written, perfectly cast, supremely suspenseful .... terrifying actually....and not tidy...... reflecting life properly. But when and if you bother seeing the stupid tedious boring self indulgent thin SCOOP it will erase again whatever goodwill MATCH POINT allowed you to have for Allen at this late stage.