The Talented Mr. Ripley (Anthony Minghella, 1999)

Amazingly I had never seen the film The Talented Mr. Ripley (Anthony Minghella, 1999) prior to viewing it tonight. I think I had tried once or twice before and the pacing of the film, which is quite slow, always seemed to interrupt my viewing of the film. Having watched the film in it's entirety now, I wish I had seen it sooner. The film has an excellent narrative, full of twists and turns, and its examination of it's sociopathic protagonist is revealing to say the least. In fact, I really would like to read the novel to further examine not only the adaptation of the film but even to examine how the novel reflects the time in which it was written. The portrayal of it's homosexual protagonist is interesting set against the backdrop of contemporary 1950's society.
It is this portrayal of the homosexual Tom Ripley (Matt Damon) that carries the film through it's creepy and twisted narrative. He often does not get the credit other actors do, but Damon is very talented as an actor and shows it in this role. The wide range on display in the role of Ripley is mesmerizing. At times he is creepy and scary, at others boyish and lost, someone you want to comfort. And when the role calls for his homosexuality to take the forefront, Damon brings passion and tenderness to it, all while being alone and confused, treading that very fine line that exists for a closeted homosexual. Their is a beauty to these moments, quite like those in Brokeback Mountain (Ang Lee, 2005) that supersede being straight or gay but speak of love.
These moments for Damon are re-enforced by the performances of a stellar cast. Jude Law is enticing. He plays the role of Dickie with charm and panache but with an underlying fire. Not all is quite right with Dickie, a reflection of the attraction between him and Ripley. Gwyneth Paltrow, Cate Blanchett, Jack Davenport and Philip Seymour Hoffman are all amazing in their respective roles. What is most striking watching this film twelve years after it's release is how amazing of a cast they put together as well as how young they looked in the film. Hell, they all look like children! Young and innocent, until damaged and sullied by the actions of Ripley.
This damaging of youth is counterbalanced by some beautiful technical work and overall direction by Anthony Minghella. The cinematography is breathtaking, capturing a Europe post war in pristine condition. One shot in particular is crafted elegant hand simply says so much. After Ripley kills Dickie, the camera lingers in a long shot as you see Ripley standing alone on the boat. The shimmering of the ocean, bright blue with sparkling lights beaming off the water is so beautiful, so captivating and a perfect dichotomy for the brutal action that just took place.
Also providing perfect dichotomy to the violent and sociopathic theme to the narrative is beautiful and sumptuous art direction and production design. The costumes design is so very European. They capture the essence of elegant European clothing all while keeping in the moment of the films setting. The costuming for Dickie in particular is done rather well. And the set decoration is extensively down very well. Each apartment of every character in the film is well done, capturing time and setting perfectly.
The most perfect aspect of the film is in it's romanticization of Europe, not only in past setting but in overall outlook on life and how to live it. The role of Ripley is a great portrait of being American as the role of Dickie shows that which we as Americans do not have when compared to Europeans. There is also an elegance and charm to all things European, dealing with all aspects of their lives. The architecture, the history, the age of everything, it all is such a huge dichotomy to the newness and youth of America.
Definitely a great film, and a very beautiful one!