Former tennis pro Chris has recently quit the tour and gotten himself a job at an exclusive country club. His first pupil is Tom Hewett. They discover a mutual admiration for opera, resulting in Tom inviting Chris to join him in his family’s box. Tom’s sister Chloe is immediately smitten with the good-looking Chris. They begin to date and Chloe becomes even more infatuated with him. The fact that he came from a poor background from which he had to work himself up intrigues her, although it’s not clear if she’s impressed or just relishes the sheer novelty.
She also enjoys the brooding bohemian aspects of his character: the listening to operas and reading of the classics like Dostoevsky’s Crime and Punishment when most men his age would be listening to rock and playing video games. She sees his potential to be the husband she wants and sets her sights on him. She gets her father to give him a great job in one of his companies that he has absolutely no experience at. Chris enjoys Chloe and is content to go along with her plans.
Then one day as Chris is hanging out in the Hewett mansion, he stumbles across the stunningly sexy, Nola, a struggling actress from Colorado. He is immediately drawn to her and comes on very strong. She lets him proceed to chat her up and relishes the attention. Chris is so enraptured by her that he appears ready to throw everything with Chloe away. She informs him there is one slight hitch in his plans: her fiancé Tom, who walks in none the wiser. Chris’ attraction is unabated and he becomes obsessed with Nola, even as his relationship with Chloe grows.
The conflicts for Chris are universal. They are about choosing between submitting or ignoring his selfish desires, doing what he wants or doing what is best for others. Like a character in the tragic operas he loves, the chain of events he sets forth lead to dire consequences that are sure to disrupt the lives of everyone involved because every decision is affected by things out of his control. He ends up trapping himself in a corner that he himself cannot get out of.
Match Point is a reaffirmation of Allen’s talents as a filmmaker. I haven’t seen such a quality piece of work from him since Deconstructing Harry. His talented cast and crew bring to life a story that focuses on the forces of life that are both in and out of our control. The plot constantly shifts directions and remains one step ahead, yet it always retains the viewer’s interest. The resolution is satisfying because the plot is believably resolved while Allen presents a thematic worldview in a subtle way that is unobtrusive.
Article comments
1 - Jenifer Gonzales
What an absolutely fabulous experience you just recounted. I would have melted into a puddle of nerves on the red carpet if I had been given the opportunity. Nice job!
2 - El Bicho
Thanks, Jenifer. Glad you liked it. The carpet's not a scary place, but it is odd.
3 - Alisha Karabinus
Oh, I seethe with jealousy... but since you gave us all these great pictures, I can almost pretend I was there!