Many viewed the powerful drama-thriller Match Point (2005) as Woody Allen's triumphant return as one of the preeminent auteurs of the Film Industry. Even Allen, himself, admitted that he felt Match Point was one of the best dramatic films he has ever made. The production was a result of a series of accidents and sidesteps. Originally set in New York, Allen couldn't get the needed financing, and accepted an offer to shoot it in the United Kingdom. This required a hasty re-write of the entire script, as the locations and dialogue needed sharp readjustment to suit the new locale. Further disruption came when Kate Winslet, who was to play one of the main roles, quit only a week before filming was to begin. Scarlett Johansson accepted the part on short notice, but the script had to be revised again, as the character was now an American. These happy accidents on Match Point formed a creative bond, of artist and Muse, between Woody Allen and Scarlett Johansson and led to other collaborations. Scarlett Johansson is indeed the "Star" of the film, with her sensuous beauty perfectly captured in vibrant cinematography and Woody Allen's unique vision.
Opportunistic former tennis-pro Chris Wilton (Jonathan Rhys Meyers) has seemingly found everything he wants in Chloe Hewitt (Emily Mortimer). She is beautiful, has good connections and most importantly... she is wealthy. They marry. Chris feels he couldn't meet anyone lovelier...
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| Match Point. 2005. Woody Allen |
That is, of course, until he meets Nola Rice (Scarlett Johansson). He wants her. There's just one little problem...
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| Match Point. 2005. Woody Allen: Scarlett Johansson |
Nola is the fiancé of Chloe's brother, and Chris' friend, Tom Hewitt (Matthew Goode)...
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| Match Point. 2005. Woody Allen: Scarlett Johansson |
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| Match Point. 2005. Woody Allen: Scarlett Johansson |
After Nola has an argument with Tom's controlling mother, Chris races off to console her...
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| Match Point. 2005. Woody Allen: Scarlett Johansson |
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| Match Point. 2005. Woody Allen: Scarlett Johansson |
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| Match Point. 2005. Woody Allen: Scarlett Johansson |
When Tom breaks up with Nola later on, she and Chris begin a passionate affair...
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| Match Point. 2005. Woody Allen: Scarlett Johansson |
Chris is falling in love with Nola...
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| Match Point. 2005. Woody Allen: Scarlett Johansson |
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| Match Point. 2005. Woody Allen: Scarlett Johansson |
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| Match Point. 2005. Woody Allen: Scarlett Johansson |
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| Match Point. 2005. Woody Allen: Scarlett Johansson |
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| Match Point. 2005. Woody Allen: Scarlett Johansson |
she gets pregnant, but refuses to get an abortion...
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| Match Point. 2005. Woody Allen: Scarlett Johansson |
and when she threatens to tell his wife, Chloe, about their affair and derail his privileged, wealthy life...
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| Match Point. 2005. Woody Allen: Scarlett Johansson |
Chris decides to take tragically drastic action...
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| Match Point. 2005. Woody Allen |
