While watching the PBS American Masters episodes of Woody Allen: A Documentary I realized that there were a handful of Woody Allen movies that I hadn’t seen. I made a list and I’ll slowly work my way through those films until I’ve seen all of Woody’s movies. I’m starting with Matchpoint, Woody’s Hitchcockian thriller from 2006. Former tennis pro Chris (Jonathan Rhys-Meyer) marries the daughter (Emily Mortimer) of a wealthy mogul. But Chris isn’t satisfied. He begins an affair with Nola (Scarlett Johansson). Nola is passionate, but also wants Chris to herself. A crisis occurs and Chris has to take action or his entire life will blow up. Woody Allen, who is best known for comedy, shows he has the chops to do suspense, too. GRADE: A-
After his early comedies(Bananas and Sleeper are two favorites), I kind of fell out of watching his movies. I don’t thnik I’ve seen any in theaters for forty years or so and only one or two on TV. I usually change the channel if one starts up.
If you’re a Hitchcock fan, then MATCHPOINT is worth a look, Randy. It’s a 180 degrees from BANANAS and SLEEPER.
This is about my favorite one in the last ten years until MIDNIGHT IN PARIS. He should do this sort of thing more often.
I agree, Patti. I didn’t know Woody could channel his inner Hitchcock like this. MATCHPOINT was a complete surprise to me.
I’m afraid I have to disagree with you here, George. I thought MATCH POINT was both sloppy (Woody, if you’re going to make a movie with a British police procedural theme, how about reading a couple so you at least have an idea of how investigation works?) and appalling in that it obviously sympathizes with the murderer and expects us to feel that he did the right thing in order to keep the beautiful Thames-side home and river view we see at the end of the movie. Sorry George, I’m just not with you on this one.
I can see where you’re coming from, Deb. MATCHPOINT is a completely amoral movie.
Interesting poster that doesn’t seem have much to do with the movie as I remember it.
That poster is pure marketing, Bill.
Emily Mortimer is the daughter of Rumpole’s creator John Mortimer.
I didn’t know that, Stan. I really liked Emily Mortimer in MATCHPOINT.
George, you say to Randy :”It’s a 180 degrees from BANANAS and SLEEPER”. And for me, that’s the problem isn’t it? And has been the problem with almost every film he’s made in many decades. I’m sure at some point in the future he’ll be lauded as one of the greatest, but that sure doesn’t mean I have to like him, or his films.
Some would make the argument that Woody Allen “evolved” from slapstick comedy to “serious” films, Rick. I know Woody’s later movies aren’t to eveyone’s taste. But, as an artist, who wants to keep churning out the same stuff over and over?
I am among those who have lost interest in his work. My favorites were “Sleeper” and “Love and Death,” but my favorite line was in (I think) “Stardust Memories” when the aliens told him they liked him when he was funny.
Yet, I still admire him as a film artist. Committed to making one small personal film after another without any concern for the box office.
Woody is 76 years old, Michael. And he continues to bring out a new film every year. You have to admire his productivity. If you haven’t seen MIDNIGHT IN PARIS, I highly recommend it. It’s Woody’s best movie in years!
Emily Mortimer also played Lisette the flower seller in HUGO.
And Emily stole every scene she was in, Jeff.
I believe the writer Penelope Mortimer was John Mortimer’s wife and possibly Emily’s mother (not sure–John Mortimer had a rather colorful love life; he had a child, unacknowledged until very late in his life, by actress Wendy Craig, best-known in America for her role as the frustrated wife on the British sitcom “Butterflies”).
Yes, I knew John Mortimer was “active,” Todd. According to online sources, Penelope was Emily’s mother.
John Mortimer actually married two women named “Penelope” and his second was known as “Penny 2” apparently – which is funny and weird. Some of the dialogue is very clunky, as is often the case in later Woddy when in serious mode, and I don’t think it is in the same league as CRIMES AND MISDEMEANOURS, which obviously it resembles greatly. But I liked it a lot at the time – it felt like a new direction and for a Septigenarin director, that seems truly admirable.
Love that story about John Mortimer, Sergio!
The earlier, funnier films are still there, and while some of the later ones misfire, some of them are pretty interesting. At least Allen didn’t turn into the cinematic equivalent of ERB–Tarzan endlessly stumbling into one lost city after another.
I like writers and directors and singers who stretch their talent, Drongo. Who do you think the Broncos will draft in the First Round. The Bills are looking for defensive help.
This is basically a reworking of “A Place in the Sun”…
The surprising part of MATCHPOINT is that Woody Allen made it, Michael. If the average movie viewer was shown MATCHPOINT and asked to identify the director, I’m sure most wouldn’t pick Woody.
Sorry for the delay, George, I’m having serious computer issues. Broncos will probably take a defensive lineman.