The Talented Mr. Ripley

Anthony Minghella, 1999 (8.1*)
This was the second film version of Patricia Highsmith’s novel Mr. Ripley, the first being Rene Clement’s 1961 French film Purple Noon. In this more sinister version from director Anthony Minghella (The English Patient), ‘frat boy’ Tom Ripley is played by Matt Damon, going out of character. Tom is in Europe with his childhood friend Jude Law, trying to earn money from Law’s father back in the states if he can convince Law to give up his playboy ways and come back home and do something productive. Ripley has no money and is dependent on this bonus, until then he’s living off of his friend, hence his dilemna. He also finds himself falling for Law's girlfriend, played by Gwyneth Paltrow. Philip Seymour Hoffman adds a lot to this version as Law’s friend Freddie. There are some unforeseen plot twists I can’t mention – but this version changes the story a little, and is a more menacing and disarming version. Fans of the book or crime and suspense films should watch both filmed versions, perhaps this version first.