Syrianna and Match Point
Published by Becky S January 9th, 2006 in arts
It’s that wonderful time of the year, when the Oscar contenders are released to us little people who don’t live in New York or LA. I recently saw Syrianna, a political action flick about the oil business, and Match Point, Woody Allen’s new drama.
Thumbs-up to both movies, but Match Point is definitely the stronger of the two. The City Paper review was tepid and makes some interesting points about the role of women in Woody Allen movies, but judging the film in that context overlooks the fact that it is an excellent movie. The writing, the acting, the timing, the tension, the opera music—all good. Match Point was 124 engrossing minutes, and isn’t that one reason that people go to the movies?
For all the intensity of Match Point, however, it doesn’t cover any new material. The prominent and/or rising man encumbered with threatening female baggage is a recurring story—think American Tragedy or Allen’s own Crimes and Misdemeanors. Enter Syrianna, which wasn’t as good overall but which raised some nagging questions, like how far would the US go to preserve its oil interests? For me, these kinds of questions are the second big reason for going to the movies: to be confronted with a different view or a challenging issue.
So. Match Point: engrossing, meticulously crafted movie about lust, greed, and luck. Syrianna: intriguing, somewhat scattered movie about the politics of oil, greed, and luck. The first sucks you in, and the latter makes you go hmmmm. Still on my list is Munich, which I’m hoping will do both. Has anyone seen it?
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Both Syrianna and Munich are on me to-do list.
Woody Allen is the best director ever…(spoken as the comic book guy from the Simpsons.) His movie “Play it again, Sam” has one of the funniest scenes in a movie. He has been producing sub par movies lately and I am glad that he is back.
Munich is pretty darn excellent, Becky.
Speaking of Match Point, did you expect it to play out that way? The previews had me a little bit thrown. Oops, I don’t think that gives anything away, does it?
Um, I hate to be the voice of dissent, but I also saw Match Point and was disappointed. Pretty people to watch–definitely–but the 3/4 of the way through it just sort of fell apart in terms of story line and acting. Scarlet Jo is not convincing as a washed-up divorced, alcoholic–she’s too young and fresh. The wealthy wife is made way to bland and frumpy in contrast, the tennis pro is not convincing in his tennis scenes or in his final solution. At the very least, wait for the DVD.
Howard, I didn’t expect it to play out that way at all!
Sassy, we’ll have to agree to disagree. Who says that Scarlet Jo’s character is supposed to be a washed-up, divorced, alcoholic? She’s divorced, yes, but nothing led me to believe that Allen was aiming for washed-up. And the contrast between her character (Nola) and the wealthy wife (who is blander but is not “frumpy”) represents the tennis pro’s (what was his name, again? you’re right, he did have some weak moments) decision between sex and position. The wealthy wife is supposed to appear bland in comparison to Nola (Scarlet Johannsen’s character). So I still think that Match Point is an excellent job by Allen, though the material is old.
I thought the film built slowly and started boiling 3/4 of the way through. Jonathan Rhys-Myers (Chris) gave a controlled, even performance and let loose at the right times. His interpretation of guilt-stained anger and fear worked for me. Scarlett Johansson was not quite as solid but she was convincing enough. I didn’t see Nola as washed up so much as frustrated by her own limitations.
I thought the scene late in the film with Chris, Nola and Eleanor was a bit of a distraction and should have been cut. Otherwise Match Point is an excellent film, well worth whatever crazy price the Ritz makes you pay on non-Wednesday nights.
not that anyone gives a damn (you don’t even know who I am), but as a great lover of movies / directors, from Herzog to von Trier, Truffaut to Tarentino, I HAVE NEVER GOT WOODY ALLEN. Can someone tell me exactly what he has going for him? His movies have always seemed anal, self-conscious exercises in coterie trivialness to me, his humour actually sends little ripples of uckiness up my spine (technical term) and his dialogue is limp and cringy (another technical term), along with John Woo and Steven Spielberg he wins my prize for most over-rated director of all time. Tim.
*ahem* it’s spelled “Tarantino.” With all a’s except for the i and o.
I have been asked that before and I never knew what the reason was until I heard an interview once. He stated that he idolized Bob Hope and he was the reason that Woody went into comedy. You can see it in his self deprecating humor and the facial expressions that he makes. And if you say that Bob Hope is overrated then ‘dem’s fight’en words.’ He is, to me, one of the best ever.
Bob Hope? Wow, you learn something new every day.
Tim, I can’t explain the Woody Allen thing, though I can see where you’re going with the “coterie trivialness” thing. Some of his movies I like and some I don’t, but I’ve never had this “ucky spine” sensation that you describe. Very colorful review!
Munich is an incredible movie. It is wrenching, beautiful, revelatory and immensely painful. I felt bad for my friend Seth who was sitting next to me as I watched it, because I squirmed throughout the entire movie. The only other movie that has done that to me to the same extent was Saving Private Ryan.
Tim - Woody’s sense of humor is appreciated as genius by some and is revolting to others - personal choice, and that can never be accounted for. As for his dialogue being ‘limp and cringy’ - that is the point. Human dialogue is often limp, jumbled and cringe worthy. He often doesn’t want you to feel comfortable with the characters, he wants to convey a sense of unease and imperfection. Perception of Allen also often depends on what films you see - he’s made about ten masterpieces and a slew of stinkers.
It is interesting that you list Francois Truffaut as one of your favorites - he is the director Allen often claims was most influential in forming his style of directing.
Type E, well said…which is your favorite? For me, it is a tie between “Take the Money and Run” and “Play it again Sam”.
Raul - my faves are Take the Money and Run, Manhattan, Sleeper, Zelig, Love and Death, Purple Rose of Cairo, Bullets Over Broadway, Deconstructing Harry, Sweet and Lowdown and Match Point. A big booooo goes out to Anything Else, Shadows and Fog and Celebrity. There are some that I still haven’t seen - the man is a film making machine.
Have you seen Play it again Sam? My favorate seen from Woody is in it. I completely forgot about Love and Death and I just didn’t understand Manhattan.
Becky,
Sorry for turning your blog into a Woody love fest.
last comment from me.
Raul, I can think of worse things for the blog to be turned into, so no worries.
Not to speak for Type E, but I’m pretty sure that he has seen Play It Again Sam; I think he tried to make me watch it once, and I fell asleep.
Yeah, I liked Play it Again Sam a lot too, but some of it seemed a little forced. Raul, I’m guessing you’re referring to the scence where Allen was trying to seduce his friend’s wife while Bogey was egging him on in the background? Classic stuff.
I also remember this exchange:
Allen: “What are you doing Saturday night?”
Woman: “Committing Suicide.”
Allen: “How about Friday?”
Both scenes that you mention are great but I am referring to when Woody sets up his apartment for his first date since his divorce and the wackiness that ensues.
Becky…fell asleep during a movie!!!
Just a chuckle over that. Enjoyed the dialog about Woody. His facial expressions speaks volumes. I don’t think he has done any “silent films”, but “Charlie” has nothing over him. Woody has certantly has been around a long time…why even in my era!
I’m glad I’m not the only one who still finds it funny that she falls asleep during movies.