The Talented Mr. Ripley

Miramax Films | Release Date: December 24, 1999

8.4	USER SCORE Universal acclaim based on 402 Ratings

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SebHOct 4, 2009

Anyone who says this captures the essence of the novel is seriously wrong. Not only is Damon's Ripley everything that Highsmith said very explicitly that he wasn't (blatantly homosexual, obsessed with Dickie and his lifestyle, Anyone who says this captures the essence of the novel is seriously wrong. Not only is Damon's Ripley everything that Highsmith said very explicitly that he wasn't (blatantly homosexual, obsessed with Dickie and his lifestyle, showing precious little premeditation to his plans and even showing remorse). Highsmith's Ripley was one of the best literary characters ever created, as insecure as he is confident and cool, but the bumbling, grinning dork up on the screen didn't remind me of him at all. Minghella made the very bold move of taking this film in different directions to the book, but it suffers as a result, particularly with the introduction of two new vapid, unconvincing characters (Peter Smith Kingsley and Meredith Logue). They fail very badly, as do all the other Hollywood-ised bastardisations of the original characters. Ripley was such a great potential film, and, though this is not without its merits, it ultimately fails to capture the spirit Highsmith wrote it in. I'm all for some degree of originality in an adaptation, but this practically spits in Highsmith's face, all in all designed to be a cold-hearted star vehicle.… Expand

1 of 1 users found this helpful

EssenceOfSugarJul 24, 2012

This film is actually very boring once you realise it. The pacing is just very uneven and there are multiple moments that don't even make that much sense and you wonder why they're there. Instead of Law's character being portrayed as annoyingThis film is actually very boring once you realise it. The pacing is just very uneven and there are multiple moments that don't even make that much sense and you wonder why they're there. Instead of Law's character being portrayed as annoying and stuck-up, nothing is there to illustrate his behaviour as annoying and stuck-up, so he just ends up looking like a spoilt brat with no proper explanation. Once he's gone, the thing just falls apart because Damon has nothing to go on and tries to look like a psychopath for the sake of it. Some scenes don't even fit together properly. That said, the scenery was very beautiful, so we got a nice backdrop that contrasted with the conflict that was going on between the characters. Plus, I found one scene particularly thrilling and heart-pounding, and to be honest, quite horrific actually.… Expand

2 of 11 users found this helpful29

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TonyB.Nov 25, 2005

Everything moves along quite well until Jude Law is gone and Matt Damon has to carry the ball. He is just not up to the task.

0 of 0 users found this helpful