Review of Ripley's Game (2002) by Megan W — 03 Apr 2009
Hit and miss. The third novel in the Ripliad series was adapted by Wim Wenders in the amazing The American Friend in 1977. That movie blended noir with a commentary on foreign filmmaking and Americanism. That movie was fucking awesome, and said a lot with a little.
This movie? Well, I didn't read the book, but I assume it follows that more, as it's just a thriller, and one that fails to impress. It has nothing to say, so it comes off as stale and tired.
The acting's great, though, and it's really the only reason worth watching. John Malkovich is fantastic, and his performance stands along Alain Delon, Dennis Hopper, and Matt Damon as a great Tom Ripley (I guess).
Dougray Scott and Lena Heady are good, but it's Ray Winstone that kept my eyes glued to the screen. He's fantastic in anything he's in.
The bland cinematography does nothing to differentiate this movie from a direct-to-DVD shitshow (it did have a theatrical release in Europe, so it ain't some late-night Michael Dudikoff fest. Whatever that means..), but there are some interesting shots.
Morricone does the score, and he has done nothing to change my opinion that after 1980 hit, he ceased being the most interesting film composer. I mean, Jesus, what happened to the cool experimental Morricone, who'd use guitars and jazz elements and shit? What happened to the Bird With the Crystal Plumage and Dollars Trilogy Morricone?
Like this movie, he puts forth an admirable effort, but falls just short of greatness, settling in the sea of mediocrity.
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This review of Ripley's Game (2002) was written by Megan W on 03 Apr 2009.
Ripley's Game has generally received positive reviews.
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