Allen's take on An American Tragedy - with his own twist

Rating: 8/10 (9 June 2007)

Match Point is very similar in tone and story to Theodore Dreiser's great work An American Tragedy, although Allen has added a twist ending that hearkens back to Dostoevskii.
The plot is about a social-climbing tennis pro (Jonathan Rhys-Meyer as Chris) who charms his way into a rich British family, and the heart of their daughter, Chloe (Emily Mortimer). He is also friends with the scion of the family, Peter, whose fiancée is a beautiful young American woman, Nola (Scarlett Johansson). Chris is immediately enchanted by the bewitching Nola, especially in comparison to the rather plain Chloe that he has attached himself to, but both of them know that an indiscretion could spell disaster. Both of their futures appear hinged on remaining in the good graces of the Lord of the Manor and his children. Nola even spells it out for Chris - Chloe loves him, her father is also fond of him, his future is set if he doesn't "blow it". "How do you suppose I would do that?" Chris replies. "Me". She answers.
Without going into spoilers, the twists and turns of passion restrained by pragmatic, non-romantic concerns will lead Chris and Nola into territory where a difficult decision will need to be made.
For the most part, the performances are steady. Rhys-Meyer does his best work during the first half of the film, when his furtive nature and wariness at making a gaffe that could alienate this rich family create drama and intrigue. He always seems to have an agenda. This furtive nature is heightened by his reactions to Nola, reactions over which he has no control.
During the second half of the film, when he has to make more trenchant decisions, his work isn't as strong. For the most part his character is petulant and moody, and although this is called for by the script, it is hard to retain sympathy for the character. He was more interesting when he was climbing the social ladder than when he has already achieved a perch that he must protect from his own indiscretions.
Scarlett Johansson continues to impress as an actress. Her performance as Nola, a young actress aware of her effect on men but still unsure of herself, is beautifully portrayed. This is showcased in one powerful exchange where she and Rhys-Meyer have a drink after she has had a disastrous audition. Beginning distraught and cursing her life and choice of career, she morphs into a seductive temptress, sure of herself and well aware of her effect on Rhys-Meyer. "Where was this confidence during your audition?" he intelligently asks, all the while knowing and not knowing the answer. During the second half of the film, when Nola becomes more needy, she sets a clear choice for Rhys-Meyer - choose between his pocketbook, and his passion.
The film ends on a twist ending, which echoes some of the themes in Allen's earlier work, most notably Crimes and Misdemeanors. Allusions to Dostoevskii are made repeatedly. Although this film is not up with Allen's best work, it is a change - not set in Manhattan, and Allen appears nowhere in front of the camera. Well worth watching if you haven't seen it before.