Talented Mr. Ripley - Ah Love Ya, Jude Law!
by Tallulah
Givehead
 The
Talented Mr. Ripley, written and superbly
directed by
Anthony Minghella, recalls the visual splendor
and fervent characterizations of his award-winning
The English Patient. Based on the novel by
Patricia Highsmith (whose "Strangers
on a Train" was adapted by Hitchcock), and
filmed once before in 1960 as
Purple Noon, this devious exercise in deception
is a twisted little tale much like its young hero --
handsome trappings masking more sinister intent.
All pouty and lean,
Matt Damon is excellent as Tom Ripley, a
sociopath who accepts a job from a shipping magnate
to try to convince his wastrel son Dickie (Jude
Law), who is living it up (and often shirtless!)
in Italy, to return to the States. Once there, Tom
is enamored not only by Dickie's way of life but by
Dickie as well. But accidents do happen, and soon
Tom finds himself spiraling down a path of insanity.
Minghella doesn't see Tom as a monster, but rather
as an opportunist prepared to do what needs to be
done. And that he is so sympathetic through most of
this is testament to Damon's nearly tortured,
galvanizing portrayal.
Giving a dazzling
performance which should cement him as a leading
man, Law exudes sensuality and charm, leaving little
doubt as to why Tom's senses would be impaired.
Highsmith's novel leaves much of the sexual
attraction of Tom Ripley towards Dickie implicit,
Minghella's screenplay brings the homoerotic element
to the forefront, leaving no doubt as to Tom
Ripley's sexuality. He also introduces two new
characters, an unsuccessful female suitor, Marge
Sherwood (played with severe banality by
Gweneth Paltrow) and a gay man (Jack
Davenport) Tom eventually shares a bed with.
Tallulah Givehead is
a Fabulous drag queen living in Portland, Oregon
(Lord only knows why!) writing reviews of gay film
by day and tearing up the stage by night. You
can read her reviews here as well as at her blog,
QUEER VUE MIRROR.
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