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Last Updated: Mar 17th, 2009 - 10:42:11
POV Review - Jonathan Rhys in Match Point
By David Kirkeby
Aug 19, 2006, 13:53 PST
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With the race for the Oscars in full swing it seems like certain categories already have shoe-ins. Such is the case for Philip Seymour Hoffman for his beautiful portrayal of Truman Capote in director Bennett Miller’s uncompromising look at the man behind some of the most influential books ever written. This is well-deserved, although there is another amazing performance this year that may be completely overlooked. It is one thing to be over looked by the Academy like Paul Gimati was last year in Sideways, but this year Jonathan Rhys-Myers is not only being over looked by the Academy, for his portrayal of a tennis pro in Match Point, he is also being overlooked by the movie-going public.
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| © Dreamworks Pictures |
Yes, Hoffman did an amazing job in Capote, and yes Joaquin Phoenix was able to stand tall as the man in black, but what makes a great performance? Is it becoming the character on the page, or is it being “in your face”. Rhys-Myers did not have a “look-at-me” legend to play. He became a different man through mannerisms and real emotions. In Match Point, Jonathan was forced to deal with tragic events, and he was able to perfectly balance the complex affairs of his character, Chris, with utmost confidence. Jonathan Rhys-Myers is one of the few actors that can claim he became a completely new person for his role. There was no heavy makeup or weight fluctuation. He became shy, and let you fully understand who his character was without calling attention to himself.
Most of the press for Match Point has been pointed towards Scarlet Johnson for being beautiful and Woody Allen for his return to form, and Jonathan Rhys-Myers is getting lost in the shuffle. Of course the Oscar nominations won’t be released till January 31, but if the multitude of award shows so far have any bearing towards what the Oscars will bring, Jonathan will be left on the back burner and he will have to wait another year for critics to finally identify his talent. His amazing talent should have been evident, when Jonathan took center stage in Velvet Goldmine, stealing the spot light from both Christian Bale, and Ewan McGegor.
I am thrilled that Phillip Seymour Hoffman’s performance as Truman Capote is being recognized. It was amazing! It’s nice to know that at least one great film vetern, such is Hoffman, is getting recognition as more than just the “guy from Happiness and The Big Lewbowski.” 2005 was an amazing year for film, and these are just two of the spectacular actors whose talents shone bright.
© Copyright 2006 by Classbrain.com
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