Barb and I took in two movies this Friday night, which is normal for us. But normally we see both of these at home, with a trip to Starbucks during halftime. The movies help us relax, and the trip to Starbucks gives us a chance to talk. It is a strong routine that works for us.
Rarely do we take in a movie at a theater. But rarely does a new Indiana Jones adventure hit the cinema. So, Friday at 5:15 we entered a completely empty theater for a nearly private screening of Indiana Jones and the Kingdom of the Crystal Skull. (We were later joined by a girl and her father. The rest of the world was apparently watching Sex and the City that evening.) We spent the next two hours thoroughly enjoying ourselves. Is it over the top? Of course. It’s Indiana Jones. But it was witty and intriguing and an awful lot of fun, a lot of fun that is missed, I think, if seen on a small screen.
It was also lucky. Face it. Indy never makes a false move. He always reaches his objective, and always is standing just outside the zone of real danger. When he is within range of a nuclear blast, he finds a lead lined refrigerator to climb into. Luck. And even though he is nearly blown into orbit by the blast, he emerges unscathed. Luck.
Luck rules adventure flicks. But does it rule real life? Yes, as far as Woody Allen is concerned. That was the focus of our second movie, Match Point. Is it better to be lucky 
or good? In this film which is far more interesting and watchable than I had anticipated (if you can tolerate the ‘R’ rated elements) it is clear on which side of that fence Allen’s sensibilities lie. There is some wonderful acting in this movie, and it is a story in which one can sympathize with some characters (Emily Mortimer is a gem) and understand others (Scarlett Johansson is more than eye candy; she can act) and despise still others (Jonathan Rhys Meyers – did he win the ‘Best Creep in a Leading Role’ Oscar?). Good storytelling makes one care. I don’t like the answers that Allen proposes to the question. But there is no doubt that many side with him.
An ironic footnote is that some threads of the movie are clearly suggested by Dostoevsky’s Crime and Punishment, which Meyer’s character is seen reading early in the film. One vote for literacy, there!
Technorati Tags: Literature, Movies
snowbot
I’m glad you enjoyed Match Point (I think I recommended it to you, yes?). Like you, I don’t agree with the film’s conclusions about luck but found it to be a fascinating film nonetheless. Perhaps reading Dostoevsky would provide further insight into it. I think I need to read him anyway, since his name keeps creeping up on me lately!
MagistraCarminae
I want to intrude on a date night…watch movies and go to Starbucks to talk…What fun!
Randy Greenwald
Keith – yes, you recommended it. After I got it home and before I watched it, I wondered why I had listened to you!and Chris, you are welcome any Friday night. We’d be happy to have you!