Starring: Nicolas Cage, Sam Rockwell and Alison Lohman
Director: Ridley Scott
Rated: M15+
A MATCHSTICK man is a euphemism for a conman, or as Nicolas Cage’s character prefers to call himself, a con artist.
Roy Waller (Cage) is not a well man. He’s agoraphobic, obsessive about cleaning and infection and has many facial and other tics.
His job doesn’t help. With partner Frank Mercer (Sam Rockwell) these despicable con artists prey on society’s most vulnerable and swindle thousands of dollars out of them.
When Roy’s mental health deteriorates even further, Frank arranges for him to see Dr Klein (Bruce Altman). While undergoing therapy Roy gains the courage to meet the child he has never met.
Over the next few weeks he and Angela (Alison Lohman) become friends. With the help of Dr Klein and the love of Angela, Roy is a new man. So much so he tells Frank he’ll only do one, last grand con. Never a truer word was said.
Matchstick Men is a very clever film. There are three major turning points in the script which you won’t be able to pick, but which adds to the enjoyment of the film.
Indeed, even though some of the earlier details which we are given in the film seem a little laboured they become important in the resolutions.
The only unnecessary thing is the ‘one year later’ epilogue. It’s the most unbelievable element in an unbelievable film.
The acting from the four principals – Cage, Rockwell, Lohman and Altman – is universally excellent. Some of the father/daughter scenes between Cage and Lohman are outstanding.
Matchstick Men reminded me of the Argentinian film Nine Queens. It’s a bit too cute by half, but it’s the sort of film you want to see again and catch all the things you missed first time around.
