Review of Ripley Under Ground (2005) by Robert B — 22 Sep 2007

Ripley (Barry Pepper..I didn't cast the thing so don't look at me) finds himself in London with a group of artists and socialites, and winds up exploiting a recently deceased artist friend in order to reap millions from his artistic legacy.

Luckily for everyone involved, Highsmith's Ripley novels seem to translate well into film. I have personally enjoyed this, Ripley's Game, and The Talented Mr. Ripley all very much.

That being said, this was clearly the weakest of the three. Which is unfortunate as this was a well crafted and entertaining little black comedy.

Which is why I recommend forgetting Minghella's beautiful 'talented..' and Cavani's little character study '..game' while watching this and just let yourself enjoy.

Barrett, Cumming, Forlani, and Wilkinson were are fun to watch in this one. Pepper did his best, but was really miscast. The script was strong, but perhaps not as clever as this material deserves, and the direction was competent. Spottiswoode isn't much of a visionary. He's more a director that knows how to string a story together for hire (see Air America or Turner and Hooch).

I recommend this film, but wouldn't recommend rushing out to see it. Let it come to you.