|
“Matchstick Men” is a poignantly brilliant film
that combines the best of artistic cinematography, a solid cast,
and a witty script to develop a touchingly comedic take on what
would normally be an action-packed movie about getting conned
and doing the conning. Instead, Ridley Scott brings us a story
within a story turns the ordinary into extraordinary.
Cinematographically the film combines a slew of
artistic shots much like those in “The Matrix”, a sudden freeze
frame that pans rapidly in a 360 degrees (or so) motion. There
are also quite a few nice tricks that involve Technicolor shots,
close-ups, and shots that speed up the playback, etc. which all
work to develop layers of the character Roy; a con artist loaded
with ticks and anxiety which stem from a severe case of OCD (obsessive
compulsive disorder) that seems the likely development after his
pregnant wife left him for another man.
The plot is also quite remarkable. On the surface
level there exists the typical story of the con man getting conned.
What makes Matchstick Men different is that there is a whole sub-plot
that interweaves itself into the main story, which is far more
personal and intimate. The film begins by disclosing the true
dirty deeds of protagonist Roy and his con-artist partner Frank
who spend their business hours duping poor suckers into buying
over-priced gizmos in exchange for the ‘prize of the lifetime’.
After the fool’s been swindled, Roy and Frank make a guest appearance
to the house in the guise of “Fraud Agents” and deliver the bad
news that they have officially been conned and there is nothing
they can do about it. But Roy and Frank’s business can’t hold
up unless Roy remembers to take his “pills” every day, which,
after he spills them down the drain in one of his OCD fits, presents
the two with a very sticky situation.
Enter the subplot:
As Roy sinks further into his bout of anxiety-ridden
depression his protégé Frank decides to set him up with a shrink
that can prescribe him medicine; since Roy’s original shrink has
hit the high road and is nowhere to be found. After a few visits
with Dr. Klein Roy discovers he has a daughter, Angela, who was
the alleged bun in the oven at the time his wife left him. After
Dr. Klein arranges a place for Roy and his daughter to reunite,
Matchstick Men switches directions as the film focuses on Roy
developing a relationship with his fourteen year old daughter
Angela, who is of course getting in the way of his ‘antique business’.
With a witty set of twists and turns, and an equally
sharp script the film grabs at the audience and keeps them watching
from start to finish. Maybe it’s the dialogue, maybe it’s the
fact that the film has an independent feel, or the way the Nicholas
Cage absolutely nails his role with a precision that its hard
to believe he isn’t a tick-ridden OCD in real life, but Matchstick
Men is as wholesome as it is devilishly entertaining. With an
ending that echoes the predicted surprise of M. Night Shamylan,
Ridley Scott delivers with a flair that puts Matchstick Men on
the maps. So what happens? You’re just going to have to see for
yourself.
Main Characters:
Roy Waller, played by Nicolas Cage, is the obsessive-compulsive
agoraphobic pill-popping con man turned dad.
Frank Mercer, played by Sam Rockwell, is the wily
protégé sidekick of Roy Waller.
Angela, played by Alison Lohman, is the 14-year
old tempestuously adorable girl with a knack for the art of con.
Dr. Klein, played by Bruce Altman, is the slightly
unconventional psychiatrist who ‘aids’ Waller in overcoming his
personal and professional anxieties.
Kathy, played by Sheila Kelley, is the intriguingly
shy cashier at Waller’s local grocery store.
|
MATCHSTICK MEN ... THE COMEDY REVIEW 
