Match Point / Mighty Aphrodite

Some observant readers of this column might notice that I'm breaking one my cardinal rules for this review: I'm comparing two films that have an obvious connection. However, I have a long-standing belief that Woody Allen movies are a genre of their own and, therefore, can only be compared to each other.

After 40 years and 41 films, I figure that Allen, one of my favourite directors, deserves his own category in film. I warn you now; I'm a rabid fan of his works. With so many to choose from, it's easy to become obsessed. His newest film, Match Point, has a striking difference from his other films- it's the first one without a New York connection. I missed that a bit- I've watched so many of his movies (many of them several times), that when I visited Manhattan, it felt instantly familiar. His next film will also be shot in London (and will also star Scarlett Johanssen). In a recent interview, Allen stated that it was because European producers never ask what he'll do with their money.

They couldn't have felt that their money was squandered with this film; it's a well-acted story about a love triangle gone wrong. Scarlett Johanssen and Jonathan Rhys Meyers are great as the low class commoners trying to move up in London high society by marrying into a wealthy family; unfortunately, their mutual attraction will lead to trouble they could never have foreseen. True, it isn't the most original plot line you'll ever see, but it has typically clever dialogue and an ending that will lead to some very interesting discussions.

On that note, I have a few pieces of advice to prepare you for the near-annual event of a new Woody Allen film. Never go with anyone who doesn't pay attention to dialogue and will ask silly questions throughout. In fact, I prefer to see them alone. It's best to find someone who will chuckle at Kafka references and enjoys jazz music. Unless you find someone who is likes these things, they probably won't appreciate it. If you are lucky enough to go with a fellow fan, be sure to go out for coffee afterwards. There will always be topics to debate and characters to sympathize with. If you've never watched a Woody Allen film, give it a shot. You'll know from the first one you see if you're going to become a fan or not.

The first one I saw was the highly entertaining Mighty Aphrodite, starring Mira Sorvino as a ditzy call girl and Helena Bonham Carter as a shrewish wife. Woody plays the man who gets much more than he bargained for when he attempts a marital indiscretion. From the moment when a scene in a Manhattan apartment cuts to an ancient coliseum, complete with a Greek Chorus commenting on the marital strife, I was hooked. As with many of his films, the topic is infidelity, but it's very comedic with ridiculous situations resulting from the whole mess.

Here's hoping I'll find some new converts to the cult of Woody!
Selina frequents movie theatres and video stores so often that she is often misateken for an employee. She actually works at the Epcor Centre and also organizes a monthly performance event. For details, go to http://spaces.msn.com/members/redmilerevenge/. Please send questions, comments and offers of fame and fortune to sechebib@gmail.com.