The Talented Mr Ripley
There's something about seeing a terrific movie, it just makes my whole day. Like
the last Anthony Minghella film I saw, The English Patient
, I didn't want this one to end.
Matt Damon is everywhere these days. He is one of the "hot young things" in Hollywood.
All that hype. Does he deserve it? On the basis of this film, absolutely. He
is wonderful in this film. He does impressions, he sings, he shows an amazing amount
of talent in this film.
The story...a young rich man, Dickie Greenleaf (Jude Law) lives in Italy. His father
hires Tom Ripley (Matt Damon) to go to Italy and bring him back. Tom told Greenleaf
Senior that he knew Dickie, when in fact he didn't. Tom goes to Italy, makes contact with Dickie and his girlfriend Marge (Gwyneth Paltrow) and becomes their friend.
They live happily until Dickie tires of Tom and tries to send him away. What happens
then and how Tom deals with everyone, lying, double crossing, and killing make this
movie one to watch. Although there are many lies told, it isn't confusing to keep the
story straight.
The performances are great. Jude Law as Dickie is terrific...the kind of man that
could inspire both women and men to fall in love with him. Cate Blanchett is great, Gwyneth
Paltrow is fine too. But, really, this film belongs to Matt Damon. He is a revelation.
This film is based on a novel by Patricia Highsmith. I haven't read it, but I'd like
to now. There was an earlier version of this film, again I haven't seen it.
This is a film that I would put in the
do not miss
category. If you are at all interested in it...run to the theatre or video store
and see it. It is great.
On the Stella Starstruck movie scale, I give it ***** out of five. See it!
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