Review of The Talented Mr. Ripley (1999) by George E — 10 Mar 2010

Very smart and suspenseful at times, and also beautifully shot. I just think it could've been MUCH shorter and the ending should've been much better (why did he kill that guy?). The first 50 minutes were slow. If they wanted character development, then it could've gone to, at least, 30 minutes. And that's when Tom should've killed Dickie (that happens at the 55th minute!). So the pacing was a little sluggish in this film.

It was a stupid ending, and a little anti-climactic. I just wish that Tom didn't get away with all these things he did throughout the film. Because I felt really sorry for the other characters he hurt. This wasn't a spoiler, really, because we all know there's a second part (Ripley's Game). If they really wanted a sequel, they could've putted him in jail at the end of this film, and released him many years later (old of course, as John Malkovich) in the second film.

Even though Matt Damon was good in this, I really preferred someone that looks tad more menacing (you know, someone like John Malkovich and Cillian Murphy). I mean, I wasn't convinced when he acted like a psycho at parts, it didn't suit him.

The acting was quite good, especially Gwyneth's. Although she was good as Marge, I thought Cate Blanchett could've played a better Marge. I could really see a better Meredith played by Paltrow, too. So that was sort of a miscast. But then again, they were all GOOD.