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Match Point

This article is part from The 10 best Woody Allen films

Table of contents

 

10 curiosities and facts

  1. It was Woody Allen's first film shot in London

    "Match Point" marked Woody Allen's first film shot entirely in London. Allen had previously set films in London but "Match Point" was the first to be shot on location in the city.

  2. It was a departure from Allen's usual style

    "Match Point" was a departure from Woody Allen's usual style, which often features lighthearted comedy and neurotic characters. Instead, "Match Point" is a tense, psychological thriller that explores themes of ambition, class, and morality.

  3. The film stars Jonathan Rhys Meyers and Scarlett Johansson

    "Match Point" stars Jonathan Rhys Meyers as a former tennis pro and Scarlett Johansson as his love interest. The film also features Emily Mortimer, Matthew Goode, and Brian Cox in supporting roles.

  4. It was a critical and commercial success

    "Match Point" was both a critical and commercial success with many critics hailing it as one of Allen's best films. It grossed over $85 million at the box office worldwide.

  5. The film's title comes from a tennis term

    The film's title "Match Point, " comes from a tennis term that refers to the point that decides the winner of a match. The term reflects the film's exploration of chance and fate.

  6. It was nominated for an Academy Award

    "Match Point" was nominated for an Academy Award for Best Original Screenplay, marking the first time in over a decade that Woody Allen had been nominated for an Oscar.

  7. It was inspired by Dostoevsky's "Crime and Punishment"

    "Match Point" was inspired by Fyodor Dostoevsky's novel "Crime and Punishment " which also explores themes of chance and morality. Allen has cited Dostoevsky as one of his major literary influences.

  8. The film features music by iconic composer Ennio Morricone

    The film's score features music by legendary composer Ennio Morricone who is best known for his work on classic Westerns like "The Good, the Bad and the Ugly."

  9. The film's ending is controversial

    The film's ending has been a subject of debate among viewers and critics. Some see it as a commentary on the randomness of fate, while others interpret it as a moral judgment on the characters' actions.

  10. It was the first of Allen's "European trilogy"

    "Match Point" was the first of Woody Allen's "European trilogy, " which also includes "Scoop" and "Cassandra's Dream." These films were all shot on location in Europe and mark a departure from Allen's earlier films which were mostly set in New York City.

About the movie

"Match Point" marks a departure from Allen's usual New York-centric stories instead setting its tale of love lust and murder in London. The film follows a former tennis pro named Chris (Jonathan Rhys Meyers) as he becomes embroiled in a dangerous affair with his wealthy and glamorous client (Scarlett Johansson), leading to tragic consequences. The film's Hitchcockian suspense and complex characters make it one of Allen's most thrilling works.

I love how "Match Point" deviates from Allen's usual style and explores darker and more complex themes. The characters are not always likable and their actions have serious consequences. But despite the darkness there is still a sense of beauty and humanity that shines through. It's a very tense and thrilling drama that explores themes of ambition desire and moral ambiguity.

One of my favorite scenes in the movie is when Chris (played by Jonathan Rhys Meyers) and Nola (played by Scarlett Johansson) share a passionate kiss in the pouring rain. The way the raindrops glisten on their faces and the intensity of their chemistry creates a powerful and memorable moment.

"Match Point" was partially inspired by the classic novel "Crime and Punishment" by Fyodor Dostoevsky. Allen was drawn to the themes of guilt and punishment, and he crafted a story that explores these concepts in a modern and compelling way. When the film premiered in 2005 received widespread critical acclaim. Another must-see for fans of Woody Allen, as well as anyone interested in exploring the darker side of human nature. It's a film that will keep you on the edge of your seat... make you question your own values and leave you thinking long after the credits have rolled.

 

Film sheet

  • Director: Woody Allen
  • Year: 2005
  • Cast: Jonathan Rhys Meyers Scarlett Johansson, Emily Mortimer Matthew Goode Brian Cox
  • Awards: Academy Award nominations (Best Original Screenplay) Golden Globe Award nominations (Best Director, Best Screenplay), BAFTA Award nominations (Best Original Screenplay), Cannes Film Festival (Best Screenplay)
 

Film Reviews

  • "Woody Allen's best film in years, a sharp suspenseful mystery." - Roger Ebert, Chicago Sun-Times
  • "A razor-sharp and tremendously satisfying thriller." - Peter Travers, Rolling Stone
  • "One of Woody Allen's most remarkable accomplishments." - Ann Hornaday, The Washington Post
  • "An absolutely brilliant piece of filmmaking." - Claudia Puig, USA Today