I watched this classic Rene Clement adaptation of one of Patricia Highsmith's Tom Ripley stories last night. Since I saw the similar The Talented Mr. Ripley some years ago I couldn't help but compare it to that film. Both present pretty scenes of Italy and hard-hearted and manipulative young Greenleafs, though in both cases I'd say that the Minghella version outshines this interpretation. That film from 1999 was exceptionally beautiful and Jude Law's performance was superb (though I couldn't help but be struck by the similarities in some of the facial expressions struck by Law and Maurice Ronet who plays the same role in Purple Noon). But otherwise I think a case could be made for this film being at least the equal of Minghella's more elaborate and lush star-studded work (that was nominated for 5 Oscars). And in some ways it's superior.
But comparing the two is really surprisingly difficult given that this is in so many ways Tom Ripley's movie and Ripley is played very differently in the two films. I though Matt Damon was very good, but ... well, he and Alain Delon, Ripley in Purple Noon, seem to be playing two different men. Damon's Ripley is more insecure and desperate. Delon's is more street-wise and unhinged (though in a quietly cool way). He's more of a classic sociopath, and Delon is nothing short of magnificent in the role. And between this and L'Eclisse (which I reviewed last week) I can't wait to see him in more things. Between his looks and his talent I'm amazed he didn't get more work in the US (presuming he sought it). He's extraordinary - and those close-ups of him at the end when he's with Madge - wow. He's such a creepy and compelling combination of menace and attraction.
Posted by armand at April 11, 2005 11:57 AM | TrackBack | Posted to Movies