Directed by:
Anthony MinghellaScreenplay:
Anthony MinghellaCinematography:
John SealeComposer:
Gabriel YaredCast:
Matt Damon, Gwyneth Paltrow, Jude Law, Cate Blanchett, Philip Seymour Hoffman, Jack Davenport, James Rebhorn, Sergio Rubini, Philip Baker Hall, Celia Weston (more)VOD (4)
Plots(1)
Con artist Tom Ripley charms his way into the lavish life of a charismatic heir — and takes drastic measures to keep his lies from catching up with him. (Netflix)
Videos (1)
Reviews (6)
Probably the best adaptation of Patricia Highsmith's famous novel. The great atmosphere of post-war Italy, an excellent cast (Damon, Paltrow, Law, and last but not least Blanchett in a small role), and an unusual theme. Nothing to fault it for.
()
It's hard to compare it with the Netflix series. Anthony Minghella took a different approach, focusing on a sunlit Italy, bursting with every color of the visible spectrum and optimism at every turn (the black-and-white format of Zaillian's version, which at times almost induces horror, is a prime example of the contrast). But both versions have their merits... Here, I personally liked Jude Law more in the role of Dickie. And also Philip Seymour Hoffman as the bohemian Freddie. And Matt Damon? He played the almost sociopathic character perfectly. An excellent performance. I have just one critique, which isn't entirely the film's fault, and I understand that... but I must point it out... The runtime is over 2 hours, but at times it felt quite rushed. If the series didn't exist (and I didn't have that comparison), I would never have mentioned this... Minghella's take on Ripley deserves a solid 8/10.
()
The Talented Mr. Ripley is a superbly precise mosaic of psychology combined with such subtle formalistic filmmaking that undercuts any chance of it being fully appreciated by a broader audience. This film is a masterpiece that has to be seen with one’s “third eye”.
()
An utterly brilliant retro psycho-thriller. Matt Damon literally excels in the role of Tom Ripley, every look and gesture of his brings a chill. The script relies a little too much on coincidences perhaps (Italy and Rome aren’t that small for the protagonists to constantly run into each other), but the elegance with which Ripley gets out from all sorts of critical situations will be admirable to anyone who has ever started a chain reaction of lies (though obviously not as serious as in this film) – here where the script is superb. Another proof of how extraordinary this film is the fact that, even though I had nobody to root for, I watched all those 140 minutes without blinking.
()
An incredibly refined spectacle in both form and content. Minghella makes the most out of a great premise, perfectly developing the character of the unstable hero and his approach puts so much power in Damon's hands that he is able, with a single look and a single action, to put the viewer firmly in the seat and force them to watch his literally despicable actions until the end without blinking. The excellent retro atmosphere and the backdrop of sunny Italy decorate the already superb production design, whose gradual fluidity and more than chilling build-up is, in my opinion, an example of brilliant filmmaking. Everything is crowned by the actors, who, even in the supporting roles, are completely unmissable and unique. Matt Damon is excellent in every move and gesture, though he may still be outdone in the first half by the phenomenal Jude Law. The ending may be too drawn out, but the final twist hits with such force and elegance that there is nothing to object to. With a day's hindsight, I add a fifth star, which is the only one that sufficiently describes the maturity of the film within FilmBooster.
()
Ads