Review of The Talented Mr. Ripley (1999) by Doctor S — 19 Jul 2009

This movie came as quite a surprise - the appearance of the name "Anthony Minghella" as writer/director filled me with dread, and after 25 minutes I seriously considered aborting what looked to be another melodramatic, overlong love triangle just like in that 'other' film of his. But surprisingly, the story began to coalesce, shifting gears, heading in new directions, and ended up as a rather gripping tale! Kudos for bucking expectations!

The young cast of all-star heavyweights is pretty solid, with Matt Damon holding his own against the likes of P.S. Hoffman and Gwyneth Paltrow. Jude Law makes the more convincing American than Cate Blanchett, but none of them can hold a candle to the breathtaking backdrop of Italian seas, streets, and villas. A progressively dark story with a wickedly fitting ending that is more deserving of Oscar cred than 'The English Patient.'.