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The Talented Mr. Ripley

Australian Rating: M15+

Starring: Matt Damon, Gwyneth Paltrow, Jude Law, Cate Blanchett

The Talented Mr. Ripley is, put simply, one of the darkest films of the past couple of years. It is impeccably performed, cleverly constructed, beautifully filmed and masterfully directed. It is however, one of those films that will keep you thinking long after you leave the cinema, which is bound to turn off a great deal of moviegoers.

Tom Ripley has a talent for impersonating people. In New York, 1950's, he takes the place of a pianist at a small gathering of the elite, borrowing the pianist's Princeton jacket. A couple spy Tom and ask him whether he knows their son, Dickie, who also went to Princeton. Tom indicates that he knows Dickie, and from this point his life changes.

Dickie's father funds a trip for Tom to Italy, where Dickie is staying, to convince him to return to America. Tom and Dickie quickly bond and Tom moves in with Dickie and his fiance, Marge. And then the tale takes a sinister turn.

Beneath the surface, The Talented Mr. Ripley is a very complex film. The problem most of all is that it is not tense enough to be a thriller. It achieves masterfully however, the development of a psychological profile of Tom as he finds himself in an unfavourable situation, which he must use his intelligence to get out of.

In this respect, The Talented Mr. Ripley is a stunning attempt at thriller film. However it is slightly let down by the lack of pace in some parts, which interrupts the tension. The brilliant performances of Matt Damon and Gwyneth Paltrow, and particularly Cate Blanchette in a small role, boost the films appeal.

Overall TTMR will satisfy some a lot, while others may be left cold by it's approach.

Last updated: 24 August, 2000