The Talented Mr. Ripley Main Cast:
Director and Screenwriter: Anthony Minghella Rating: 3 Stars - worth a watch. Plot Summary: Tom Ripley (Matt Damon) is asked by a millionaire shipbuilder Herbert Greenleaf (James Rebhorn) to travel to Italy and track down his errant son Dickie (Jude Law) and bring him back to America. Dickie is living the high life with his girlfriend Marge (Gwyneth Paltrow) in Southern Italy lying on the beach, going to Jazz Clubs and spending Daddy's money. When Tom Ripley meets with Dickie he comes clean as to the purpose of his visit to Italy. The two become friends. It soon becomes clear that Tom wants this life and dreams of becoming Dickie Greenleaf. Dickie who at first is amused by Tom becomes increasingly uneasy. It's not long before there's trouble in paradise............... Review: The film is adapted from Patricia Highsmith's novel and was already filmed as PURPLE NOON by French director Rene Clement in 1960. This is an extremely interesting and well-told story that has many twists , turns and surprises. The first half of the movie moves along nicely developing the characters, setting the plot and drawing the viewer into the story. Unfortunately, there is a turning point half way through the movie where the lively pace and energy of the first half fade and the movie becomes slow and cumbersome. While the story remains interesting it lacks tension and intrigue. Good performances from Matt Damon and Gwyneth Paltrow. While Jude Law is excellent as the dashing, spoilt American rich kid Dickie Greenleaf. Look out for the hilariously loud, obnoxious Freddie Miles played by Philip Seymour Hoffman who nearly stole the show from all of them! Scenery is beautiful and don't be put off by the mention of Jazz Music which is upbeat and lively. Dickie and Tom in a smoky crowded Jazz Club sing on particularly good piece. Finally the lasting thought of the movie "is it better to be a fake somebody or a real nobody?" Reviewed by Niall Quinn, PremierMovieReviews 2001 |
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