The Talented Mr. Ripley is a remake of the 1965 French film Purple Noon from a novel by Patricia Highsmith (Strangers on a Train). Anthony Minghella (The English Patient), Ripley's director, is an erudite and polished artist. However, there is a coldness that frosts the edges of Minghella's work. It distances the viewer from protagonists, and such is the case with his Ripley. 

It's Ripley, believe it or not. ©Paramount

     Highsmith's novel is a clever template from which to start and depart. Ripley is a young musician, hungry for a life beyond his reach. When circumstances send him on a mission to Italy to bring back the profligate son of a rich man, Ripley sees other possibilities. The beaches and rialtos of Europe are a lure he can't resist. When Ripley arrives in Italy and moves in on Dickie Greenleaf, the wheels are spinning. He positively leaches onto Greenleaf and girlfriend Marge Sherwood. There are hints of what's to come, obvious homoerotic overtones, and in the sunshine and sand Ripley's plan unfolds.   
     Matt Damon is skeletal playing Ripley. He is far too creepy to invest himself into the lives of these young ancestors of the jet set. It's a major blunder. In the original Purple Noon, Alain Delon was appealing and there was good reason that he was able to become attached to Greenleaf. Do you fault the actor or director. My vote goes to the director in this case. Jude Law brings confidence and brio to  Dickie Greenleaf. It's an effective screen portrait,  while Gwyneth Paltrow is far too pale and wan (despite the sun) for my tastes. Add a bit of cheeky American abroad work from Kate Blanchett and Philip Seymour Hoffman, and you must admire the cast. The production is sumptuous with great photography. All the production elements are sterling, but still, there's the frosty edge that prevents Ripley from ripping.
     Anthony Minghella is an enjoyable guide for The Talented Mr. Ripley in his audio commentary. Minghella's craftsmanship flows over into his production observations. The making of short included as one of the extras has cast interviews and some behind the scenes insights, but is limited by intent. A making of the soundtrack short is informative, with two music videos and two theatrical trailers completing the package. 
     Transfer elements for this 1999 film, are as expected, pristine. The DVD effectively captures the lighting intent of the cinematographer and director. It appears that a variety of filters were used to bring a distinctive look to The Talented Mr. Ripley, and at times the result is a slightly softer than reference DVD picture. Delicate colors are replicated and the lush values of the production are shown off to good effect. Dolby Digital 5:1 surround delivers all the ambient sounds in the right locations. The music by Gabriel Yared is given a full range treatment as well. 

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