(Rated R, 160 mins.)
Released Dec. 24
In the sun-drenched backdrop of Italy in the late 1950s comes the triangle story of Tom Ripley (Matt Damon), who craves a lifestyle led by Dickie Greenleaf (Jude Law). When Dickie’s father, a wealthy industrialist, commissions Tom to bring his errant playboy son back home to America, Dickie and his beautiful girlfriend, Marge Sherwood (Gwyneth Paltrow), never expect the dangerous extremes to which Ripley will go to make their lifestyle his own.
Directed by Anthony (“The English Patient”) Minghella and based on the novel by Patricia Highsmith in what is surely one of the most seductive, artistic and brilliantly beautiful movies about beautiful places and beautiful people. The backdrops, the cinematography, the European flavor, and the energized performances by all will keep anybody mesmerized the entire time.
Damon is sure to be nominated for an Oscar with Law not far behind. Paltrow shows there is a stunning performance after “Shakespeare In Love.” The twists and turns of the story are so well-delivered they could surely rival the classic “Body Heat.”