The Talented Mr. Ripley

Reviewed by: Janjon

January 12, 2000

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Haven't read anything up above (making an assumption that there is stuff above about The Talented Mr. Ripley. What a terrific movie which so easily could have been just awful. (I mean, the plot line does occasionally lend itself to highly raised eyebrows.) I have read somewhere that some think it begins to run out of steam the last half hour or so. Au Contraire. I thought by then Matt Damon in the Ripley guise had done such a great job of cluing us in at least a bit as to what made him tick and how he ticked that the blank look he gives when seeing the textile heiress on the ship and then in terms of knowing the implications when he understands and sees that she is not alone AND that her aunt and uncle have seen him etc. that his otherwise blank stare said much. It was both fascinating and sad to watch him resolve that last crisis. I also have read that some think him to be too "innocent" for the role. Bull shit. He did a terrific job, starting with his little saunter across Central Park West after the recital. It helped define his character beautifully. I agree with those who think that Jude Law gave a terrific performance as well. BUT, certainly certainly certainly, so did Gwenyth Paltrow (that Oscar was no fluke, even if her acceptance comments were dreadful), Philip Seymour Hoffman (acting in a role about 10 years younger than he really is - of course, a little beef makes one look younger) and Cate Blanchett was terrific too.

Bravo.