Sociopaths rejoice, because the talented Mr. Ripley is back. This time, John Malkovich takes the reins as America's most debonair serial killer- a mix between Hannibal Lecter and Anne Robinson. Well, kind of.
Ripley's Game tells the story of Jonathan Trevanny (Dougray Scott), a framer who is forced into a murderous, political underworld when Ripley (Malkovich) headhunts him at a grotesque dinner party. However it really isn't all that simple (when is it ever that simple) as Jonathan suffers from a strain of terminal leukemia. So is he in it for the money or is there some kind of weird, alternative motive for his acceptance of the hitman jobs?
The first thing to note, is that Malkovich makes a superb Ripley. He convinces and then some, giving one of the best performances of his career which will no doubt be overlooked by the masses (of filmgoers and of critics). His pragmatic menace makes the audience sympathise entirely with what happens to him throughout the film. However, the only decent support he gets is from Ray Winstone, as his foul-mouthed accomplice, Reeves. Dougray Scott is a little weak and both the female characters in the film, feel underwritten. This detracts from any potential character insights that could have been made between the leads and their love interests.
Liliana Cavani's direction is slightly bland as is the cinematography, which detract from a good script and excellent central perfomance. The film lacks the style and sophistication so needed for the piece and while everything is handled well, I felt that improvements could have been made.
However this film still has a lot going for it. The story is strong and there are moments of almost unbearable tension. There are several inspired setpieces and the film's location is sublime. It is not a perfect thriller, but one certainly worth your money.It is also, like the main character, criminally underrated and overlooked.
Ripley's Game tells the story of Jonathan Trevanny (Dougray Scott), a framer who is forced into a murderous, political underworld when Ripley (Malkovich) headhunts him at a grotesque dinner party. However it really isn't all that simple (when is it ever that simple) as Jonathan suffers from a strain of terminal leukemia. So is he in it for the money or is there some kind of weird, alternative motive for his acceptance of the hitman jobs?
The first thing to note, is that Malkovich makes a superb Ripley. He convinces and then some, giving one of the best performances of his career which will no doubt be overlooked by the masses (of filmgoers and of critics). His pragmatic menace makes the audience sympathise entirely with what happens to him throughout the film. However, the only decent support he gets is from Ray Winstone, as his foul-mouthed accomplice, Reeves. Dougray Scott is a little weak and both the female characters in the film, feel underwritten. This detracts from any potential character insights that could have been made between the leads and their love interests.
Liliana Cavani's direction is slightly bland as is the cinematography, which detract from a good script and excellent central perfomance. The film lacks the style and sophistication so needed for the piece and while everything is handled well, I felt that improvements could have been made.
However this film still has a lot going for it. The story is strong and there are moments of almost unbearable tension. There are several inspired setpieces and the film's location is sublime. It is not a perfect thriller, but one certainly worth your money.It is also, like the main character, criminally underrated and overlooked.