Rating: 
Summary: A flawless film that never gets old
Review: There isn't a single bad thing to say about The Talented Mr. Ripley-it is a superb film in every respect.The acting,the writing,the suspense,the cinematography,the emotion-EVERYTHING about this film, well, as much as I hate to have to put it this way, rocks.I'm not gonna go into a full-on plot analysis-I think you can get that from plenty of other reviews.Matt Damon gives a stunningly intense performance as the brilliant, but deeply disturbed Tom Ripley.Jude Law is gorgeous, but more than that, his screen presence in this film is one of such gallant charm and undeniable sex appeal.He's both a spoiled little rich boy with a passion for women and a penchant for jazz clubs, and a brash,selfish man who, ultimately, thinks himself above all others.This combination makes him absolutely dazzling and fiery to watch. The chemistry between these two actors is superb, and provides this film with some brilliantly tense moments.Gwyneth Paltrow, who I'm not much much of a fan of, gives a quiet performance as Jude Law's demure fiancee.She delves into her role to an extent where you can easily sympathize with her character.She creates a young woman who is good and true, and down to earth, and towards the end, watching her descent into a neurotic, and cold human being is almost heartbreaking. The scenery of southern,Italy is breathtaking, and there is some absolutely gorgeous jazz music provided. This film is chock full of memorable scenes, and there isn't a moment where it gets dull or uninteresting.Right down to the chilling conclusion, this film holds you completely enveloped within itself.I've seen this movie over about 80 times, and if you think I;m exagerating, I certainly am not.It's not like its my favorite movie in the world, or anything like that, its just theres something about this film, that is perhaps where its true test for quality lies-it just never gets old.I watched it last week after a 5 year interval, and it seemed just as fresh and vibrant, and exciting as it did the first time I saw it.I believe this film was sorely underrated, and it should be seen by absolutely everyone.It's ruthless and unpredictable, chilling and emotional,disturbing and provoking.I haven't read the novel, but I'm curious-usually novels are better than the movies made in their name, but I can't imagine anything that could surpass this dazzling film.DONT MISS THIS ONE.
Rating:
Summary: Just like old fashioned movies for the dramatic soul
Review: I've seen this movie many times and by seeing one or two negative reviews had to write one for my own. This movie reminds of those old fashioned movies-you remember them-that used to feed your soul with beauty. The trumpets are depressing and the acting is intense. But anyone who loves that rush you get when you watch a great movie...this one is for you. You tend to not like Matt Damon towards the end of the movie, but his portrayal is real. The ones who should be praised here also include Jude Law and Phillip Seymour Hoffman. Jude has that [attractiveness] and Phillip has the character. The music is to die for and the acting is real. For anyone who enjoys beautiful things...watch this movie...now.
Rating: 
Summary: what happened here?
Review: i saw this movie in the theater when it came out because i like that matt damon and philip seymour hoffman. however, after what seemed like 9 hours waiting for something to happen in this film, it ended. maybe i missed the point, because it seemed to me the point was to make the audience very bored!
Rating: 
Summary: Not Your Average Psycho Thriller
Review: Tension. That`s the word that better applies to this movie. Anthony Minghella ("The English Patient") suceeds in all levels and delivers an impressive adaptation of Patricia Highstmiths` novels. The direction is first rate, the cast magnificent, the locations and set designs appropriate, the photography sophisticated and Gabriel Yared`s soundtrack profound. Matt Damon is perfectly cast as the complex, ambiguous and troubled Tom Ripley, as is Jude Law as Dickie Greenleaf, his nemesis/ object of desire. Gwyneth Paltrow, Cate Blanchett and Philip Seymour Hoffman also shine here. This truly is an unpredictable, suspenseful and twisted movie, one that goes back and forth with precious attention to detail. The pacing is for the most part slow, it takes a while to develop but when it does the viewer becomes immersed in the absorbing storyline. This is one of the best pictures about obssession, desire, identity and despair, showcasing Ripley`s oscilation between sanity and madness in a subtle, intelligent and deep way. Minghella also dares to explore his characters` ventures into homosexuality in a risky and tension-filled move that makes for some disturbing and surprising scenes. The ending is particularly powerful and unsettling. "The Talented Mr. Ripley" is a rich, seductive, intricated and multi-layered cinematic experience, being both beautiful and sinister. It`s a strong and moving character-study and a slick, excellent piece of filmmaking. A must see.
Rating:
Summary: The worst movie ever made.
Review: This is a horrible waste of time talent and money. Great cast, great scenery, miserable results. Not just boring, it is mind numbing in its tedious violence and amoral homophobic pompousness. A major downer. I feel bad every time I even think of this movie. I feel sorry for Jude Law and Gwyneth Platrow even being involved in this. Were they being punished by the studios or by fate? It stinks.
Rating:
Summary: Thank Goodness for DVDs!
Review: Merely watching the film, you might think this is a "very good" effort, at best. Thanks to the added features of the DVD (plus it helps if you're familiar with Patricia Highsmith's RIPLEY series), there is the added insight to make this a particularly enjoyable and informative viewing experience. You will come away from this with an appreciation for the artistry of the cast & crew (esp. music & cinematography) and wonder why the director couldn't have made a better adaptaion of COLD MOUNTAIN. Well...maybe when the DVD comes out!
Rating:
Summary: Despicable Movie
Review: One of the worst movies I've ever seen in my life. It depicts stomach-turning violence which is needless and not even interesting. Slow, boring and grotesque do not a good movie make.
Rating:
Summary: Terrible, terrible movie!
Review: I'm reading through these reviews, and wondering if I watched the same movie as the others. I HATED this movie! It was terribly slow, and at the end I looked up and said, "oh, it's over?" I couldn't believe it ended the way it did. The movie is ridiculous. Totally pointless. Yes, the cinematography was amazing. Wonderful. The acting was decent. There just wasn't much there. I love Matt Damon, and Gwyneth Paltrow and Phillip Seymour-Hoffman. I just hated this movie. It was painful to watch. It is probably the worst movie I have seen since "The Horse Whisperer." I'd recommend you not waste your time.
Rating: 
Summary: Dragged out beyond its capabilities
Review: This movie really doesn't know what it wants to be. An character study? An impersonation story? A murder mystery? A love story? A psycotic thriller? It attempts each sub-genre, one at a time, for over two hours, and to me thats what hurts this movie. Except for Gwyneth Paltrow, there's pretty good acting in this film, and the first hour or so really fascinated me. I loved how Ripley manipulated Dickie and played him like a stack of cards, earning his favor to try to get him back. When events take a turn for the worse I expected to see more of Tom Ripley's "talents"...but we don't. Instead, it moves onto Phase 3: a murder mystery. You'll expect this film to end three times before it actually does, and that feeling of a plot being dragged on into oblivion made me like this movie less and less, especially when the unsatisfying ending comes out. You'll be left thinking, "...and...what!" The first hour was great, but once the ball got rolling I really couldn't watch any more.
Rating:
Summary: A drop dead gorgeous movie...
Review: The Talented Mr. Ripley is an intense and powerful film that possesses beauty in its every aspect. Matt Damon's acting is superb. Jude Law is both charismatic and incredibly handsome, and he and Gwyneth Paltrow make the quintessential preppy couple. Everything in this movie is sun-soaked and flawless and set to moody jazz music. It is a delight for the senses. Strangely enough, the best thing about this movie is the homoerotic tension between the male leads. It may be unconventional, but their chemistry is both believable and sexy. This is something rare in mainstream film, whether the characters are homosexual or heterosexual. There is more passion in the scene where Tom and Dickie play chess together than the entirety of many straight film romances. If this makes you uneasy, you won't like this movie. If you like fast-paced, action-packed thrillers, you won't like this movie. But if you don't have the patience or the open mindedness for this movie, you are missing a truly extraordinary experience.
|
