Match Point - 2005

Film Synopsis

Woody Allen emerged from the moviemaking wilderness in 2005 with his cool, elegant thriller Match Point. The movie is a modern retelling of American literature classic A Place in the Sun by Theodore Dreiser.

Filmed in London with many British actors, the film had a fresh, clear vitality which had become submerged in recent years. Rhys-Meyers supurbly plays an ex pro tennis player who leaves his poor Irish background to climb London society circles.

Scarlett Johansson debuts in Match Point as well, going on to become Allen's female favorite lead for a new slate of movies.

Main Cast

• Jonathan Rhys Meyers .... Chris Wilton
• Alexander Armstrong .... Mr. Townsend
• Paul Kaye .... Estate Agent
• Matthew Goode .... Tom Hewett
• Brian Cox .... Alec Hewett
• Penelope Wilton .... Eleanor Hewett
• Emily Mortimer .... Chloe Hewett Wilton
• Scarlett Johansson .... Nola Rice
• Simon Kunz .... Rod Carver

4 out of 5 stars

The passion of mad love and the cold calculations of social climbing collide in Woody Allen's Match Point. Former tennis pro Chris Wilton (Jonathan Rhys-Meyers) stumbles into good fortune when Chloe Hewett, the daughter of a wealthy businessman, falls in love with him. But when Chris meets Nola Rice (Scarlett Johansson), a much deeper passion is stirred--and his desire isn't deterred when he discovers that Nola is already dating Chloe's brother. But when their affair threatens Chris's increasingly cozy lifestyle, Chris begins to consider a drastic solution. Match Point starts deftly and ends with cunning.

Match Point Film Trivia & Awards

Budget: $15m (USA)