Woody-110

I initially saw Anthony Minghella's 1999 feature, "The Talented Mr. Ripley,' in which the title role was played by Matt Damon. Subsequently I read the original novel by Patricia Highsmith, before stumbling upon this gem. As a film, `Plein Soleil,' is somewhat more engaging, and features excellent acting by Alain Delon and exquisite cinematography from Henri Decaë. It must be said that Delon was a bit too pretty to accurately portray Tom Ripley, and while I thoroughly enjoyed the cinematography, the mood ended up far different from the novel. It seems that director René Clément was focused on making a quality film, and less concerned with a faithful reproduction of the story (as evidenced in the revised ending). Strictly for comparison, it appeared to me that Minghella more accurately sensed the mood of the original, rife with quiet brooding and dark hatred. I must agree with other reviewers who pointed out the miscasting of Gwyneth Paltrow in the remake, as I much preferred the casting and performance of Marie Laforêt. However, neither actress possessed the aire of normalcy and simplicity offered by the novel. While the revised ending did not trouble me, I was disappointed that a faithful adaptation of the novel, or its successors, has yet been made. Each director seems to have reinterpreted or misinterpreted the original story, perhaps out of the uncomfortable compassion the reader develops with the nefarious Ripley. That said, if you have seen the 1999 remake, watching this film will be an enjoyable perspective on the story, in many ways the superior.

I remember this film film as among my favorites growing up. Forget the fact that it is absolutely politically incorrect. Of all my friends growing up (Japanese, African-American, and yes event a "little person") we all have found it hysterical over the years. The movie excited my imagination beyond most other films. While no jewel of the cinema, it will always hold a spot in my psychological toy chest, with Fletch, Foul Play, Time Bandits, and other movies too busy entertaining than to think about oversensativities.

This piece of left-wing drivel was a complete waste of time. Spend the precious minutes of your life picking toe-jamb instead of wasting them on this. No joke. An attack on conservatives and an insult to the intelligence of liberals, the film lacked humor, and often failed to try to hold the audience.