Cast:
Matt DamonTom Ripley
Gwyneth PaltrowMarge Sherwood
Jude LawDickie Greenleaf
Cate BlanchettMeredith Logue
Philip Seymour HoffmanFreddie Miles
Jack DavenportPeter Smith-Kingsley
The Talented Mr. Ripley (1999): Spoiler-Free Review
The Talented Mr. Ripley is Anthony Minghella’s 1999 thriller about a young man who slips into a rich man’s life. It is elegant and sunny, and it grows steadily more tense.
The Premise
In the 1950s, Tom Ripley (Matt Damon) travels from New York to Italy to bring home the wealthy playboy Dickie Greenleaf (Jude Law). Tom admires Dickie’s life, and he starts to pretend to be someone he is not. Dickie’s girlfriend Marge (Gwyneth Paltrow) senses that something is wrong.
Why It Works
- Matt Damon plays Tom with a shy charm that turns quietly dangerous.
- Jude Law earned an Oscar nomination for Best Supporting Actor.
- The Italian coast and the jazz soundtrack make the film beautiful to watch.
At a Glance
- Director: Anthony Minghella
- Cast: Matt Damon, Jude Law, Gwyneth Paltrow, Cate Blanchett, Philip Seymour Hoffman
- Source: Patricia Highsmith’s 1955 novel
- Awards: Five Oscar nominations
Verdict
A stylish, uneasy thriller about identity and envy. Its ending stays with you. Viewers who enjoy stories of class obsession and aristocratic infiltration should also check out Emerald Fennell’s dark psychological thriller Saltburn.
- Who should watch: Fans of slow-burn thrillers and Highsmith’s stories.
- Spoilers: none. We never reveal the twist in this review.
Frequently Asked Questions About:
"The Talented Mr. Ripley"
Is The Talented Mr. Ripley based on a book?
Yes. Patricia Highsmith wrote the 1955 novel.
Was there an earlier film version?
Yes. Plein Soleil, a French film with Alain Delon, came out in 1960.
Is Tom Ripley a real person?
No. Highsmith created him as a fictional character.
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