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Flush with Greenleaf senior's cash, Ripley studies the rich
boy from a distance before accidentally bumping into him and
(re)introducing himself as a long-lost study mate.
After an initial coldness, the imposter manages to ingratiate
himself with the couple and begins a whirlwind of parties
and entertainment that is hard to keep pace with.
It also sparks a desire within Ripley to be part of the rich-set
lifestyle on a permanent basis and sets in train a series
of events that are not quite what you'd expect.
Damon plays Ripley beautifully, beginning with an almost
child-like portrayal as he finds his feet within the higher
circles and then withdrawing into a darker, impassive mode
hidden behind a facade that switches easily between emotions.
Jude Law is just perfect as the blond playboy who lives life
to the full and won't let anyone stand between him and a good
time. The scene where he and Damon sing Tu Vuo Fa L'Americano
in a jazz nightclub is excellent, catching the power and flavour
of the on-stage antics brilliantly.
Gwyneth Paltrow is a fine Grace Kelly ... oooops .... love
interest but, without putting too fine a point on it, her
role could have been played by a dozen actresses without doing
any damage to the movie.
The Talented Mr Ripley is pigeon-holed as a thriller, but
it really is more of a plodder. It is two-and-a-quarter hours
of excellent cinematography mixed with some interesting characters
and moments, but is in the end a movie that could have easily
been reduced by three-quarters of an hour.
The real star of the movie is Italy and if you can watch
it without wanting to go back to Venice, or visit any of the
gorgeous landscapes, then you have no soul whatsoever.
Conclusion:
Movie: 80% DVD Extras: 50%
Continued:
DVD details at a glance >
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