Tom Ripley (Alain Delon) is a handsome and unassuming young man that hides a dark secret, he's a talented forger, impersonator and all round conman and opportunist. He seizes one such moment, when he claims to be a lifelong friend of Philipe Greenleaf and gains employment from his parents, who want their playboy son to return home to the US. Ripley befriends Philipe in Rome again claiming they were friends as children, Philipe doesn't believe it for a minute, but he enjoys Ripleys company, although doesn't show it much, preferring to treat him like a dog. While sailing on Philipe's yacht, Ripley is confronted by Philipe who claims he knows what he's up to, he's not wrong, Ripley kills him and then assumes his identity, but how long can he keep up two identities, as Philipe's friends and family seek him out, not to mention the growing police interest? I guess the better known adaptation of Patricia Highsmith's Mr Ripley novel these days is Anthony Minghela's The Talented Mr Ripley, which is a shame as this is a super version of the story. Ripley is a despicable character is many ways, but because its Delon playing him, this viewer was almost rooting for him to succeed and get way with his dastardly plan, its hard not to take to him as he sits astride a yacht, bronzed body, wind blowing in his hair like some Greek God returning to Olympus, its only his blood stained hands that blows this myth. The film is beautifully filmed, in stunning locations, the ever present brilliant sunshine being a perfect juxtaposition against the dark deeds taking place within. Its unusual to see Delon play a demure character, but he shows his range and he pulls it off in style because we know behind it all there is an amoral man (perhaps even insane) trying to get out. One scene that sticks out, is the aftermath of the crime on the yacht, as the sea suddenly swells and Ripley struggles to control the yacht and also cover up his deeds from the prying eyes of a nearby ship, its power is quite breathtaking, the danger for Delon must have been very real. Clement has crafted a slow burner of a thriller, the script being very thrifty and lean, the film being engrossing and full of life.
Review of Purple Noon
