clivejenner-77520

What a terrific adaptation this is. Classic anti- hero Tom Ripley, the creation of author Patricia Highsmith, is a survivor, a conman and sociopath.

Brilliantly played by Andrew Scott, who exudes a quiet menace, with a minimum amount of effort.

Tom's small cons in New York aren't going well, so he descides to take a commission to go to Italy, to persuade Dickie Greenleaf a casual acquaintance to come back to his family in America. As soon as he arrives, he see's an opportunity to live comfortably at Dickie's expense, much to the consternation of his girlfriend Marge, Dakota Fanning. Beaufully shot in stylish black and white, which brings out the 50s feel in spades. This is a first class version of a classic tale. Mr Ripley is indeed talented and so is everyone involved in this prodution.

This quite village murder mystery was pitched just right. Is there a serial killer in their midst or is it just a bizarre series of accidents? Sometimes it takes an outsider to see through to the truth. The outsider being David Jonsson who is solid as the Nigerian finding his way in post war britain. What connects these victims and who has a motive for their murder. All these are answered but not before the body count is increased. This is a period Mid Sommer style of mystery. I have not read the book, but was certainly entertained by the two part drama. A solid seven. See for yourself on iPlayer before dismissing.

This dark tale of revenge is one of Michael Caine's best performances, ruthless as the mob enforcer, in a quest for the truth about his brothers death. In the bleak atmosphere of this northern landscape, Carter dispenses his own kind of moral justice. An accomplished directorial debut from Mike Hodges, this movie stands the test of time as a genuine British classic and fully deserving of it's cult status.