Archived Analysis: "Matchstick Men" and "Paris, Je T'aime"

Zach’s Favorite Film: #27

Matchstick Men

Directed by: Ridley Scott

Starring: Nicholas Cage, Alison Lohman, Sam Rockwell

Rated: PG-13 for Thematic Elements, Violence, Some Sexual Content and Language

Deceit is a powerful and dangerous act; it alters one’s perceptions and understanding of people, situations, and intent, which causes devastating consequences. No film expresses this moral quite like Ridley Scott’s comedic thriller Matchstick Men, a film which follows Roy (Nicholas Cage), a legendary con-artist, who is planning the con of a lifetime with a fellow con-man (the terrific Sam Rockwell). However, Roy suddenly comes into contact with his estranged daughter (Alison Lohman), which leads to the practical and moral dilemmas of Roy trying to be a good father while dealing with his life of crime and deceit. Despite his obvious flaws, we seem to connect with Roy; he’s an idealist who wants to be a good person, and reconnecting with his daughter gives him a reason for that growth. Unfortunately, he’s also aware of his own apparent hypocrisy; he’s a man who mirrors his daughters’ disobedience and ignores his own guidance, but with even more devastating consequences . Some may be shocked that this film is on my list of favorite movies. After all, the film wasn’t praised by critics and didn’t get any awards for Ridley Scott and company. While I think some of the criticism is valid, I feel that much of the hostility comes from the fact that Scott is brilliant con-man himself, getting us to feel certain emotions and connect with the story before pulling the rug from under our feet, landing us face-down onto the floor. While those who never grew up on those impossible Encyclopedia Brown novels will find this experience frustrating, one, such as myself, is astounded that I simply didn’t see it coming.

Paris, Je T'aime

Directed by: Tom Tykwer, Joel and Ethan Coen, Alfonzo Cuaron, Gus Van Sant, Wes Craven, and many others

Starring: Natalie Portman, Maggie Gyllenhaal, Steve Buscemi, Juliette Binoche, Willem Dafoe, Elijah Wood, Rufus Sewell, Nick Nolte, and many more

Rated: R for language and brief drug use

Love is such a complex and powerful feeling and action; no matter how many songs, plays, or movies we see where love is the focus, there’s always a new and unique interpretation of it’s power and abilities. And what better way to showcase this than with short films on love that are all located in the city of love itself: Paris. The film of short films, entitled Paris, Je T’aime, focuses on just that: interpretations of love. Acclaimed filmmakers from across the globe, such as Tom Tykwer, Joel and Ethan Coen, Alfonzo Cuaron, Gus Van Sant, Wes Craven, and many others all travel to Paris to show us stories of heartbreak, grief, undying love, reignited passions, and love at first sight, forming a perfect blend of stories and styles. Obviously, I didn’t care for every story told, but each seemed to accent the movie as a whole, like watching an anthology of films on love. Perhaps this is a crazy prediction, but I believe the short film is powerful genre that could revolutionize film in the future. Thanks to avenues of distribution like iTunes and Youtube, the short film may once again capture America’s heart in ways that features can not. After watching Paris, Je T’aime, I hope I’m right.

(As a postscript, my favorites were: Nobuhiro Suwa’s "Place des Victoires", Isabel Coixet’s "Bastille", and Alfonso Cuarón’s "Parc Monceau". I didn’t care for Vincenzo Natali’s "Quartier de la Madeleine" at all.)