3.5/4
This movie is haunting, seductive, disturbing, extravagant.... sort of like a more modern Great Gatsby. Matt Damon is a charming, likable, boyish Tom Ripley, someone who can mold himself into whatever social situation is brought upon him. A true talent. His character is extremely reminiscent of Paul from Six Degrees of Separation: quick-witted and charismatic but manipulative.
Jude Law is a fascinating character to watch: his acting is perfect for the snoody yet enticing and magnetic Dickie Greenleaf. The two female sides, Gwyneth Paltrow and Cate Blanchett, are nothing too special, but are both fun to watch in some little way. It is the males that give the film its major punch: Damon, Law, and Philip Seymour Hoffman.
The twists are shocking, and disturbed me to watch.
The setting is much of what makes this movie so enjoyable: it is mostly played out in Italy, a beautiful countryside, quaint architecture... a dreamy fantastical setting that sets the stage for the brutal events that cut abruptly into this beauty. Tom Ripley shatters a beautiful country, a beautiful set of lives.
It is written widely that the character of Ripley is a monster, a sociopath, a villain. I disagree completely, judging by this adaptation of the literary character alone. In my view, he simply makes mistakes. His first murder seems to disturb him. So does his last. The scene with Gwyneth and the blood-soaking robe seems out-of-character... a little too psychopathic for what had already been established.
Matt Damon puts on a terrific performance in a shocking and intense movie with a beautiful setting. Excellent!
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