The Talented Mr. Ripley - R

Full of murder and deceipt. Too slow and violent for kids.

Rating: R for violence, language and brief nudity Studio: Paramount Pictures Directed By: Anthony Minghella Cast: Matt Damon, Jude Law, Gwyneth Paltrow Running Time: 139 minutes Release Date: 12/12/1999 Genre: Drama

Common Sense Note

Parents need to know that THE TALENTED MR. RIPLEY is about a man posing as another to acquire his wealth and lifestyle – a process that involves homoerotic affairs, murder, and countless lies. Characters drink, smoke, have sex, lie, curse, get in fights and kill one another. Particularly upsetting are two of the murders that involve Tom bludgeoning characters to death. The pacing of the film is rather slow and will likely bore younger viewers used to more contemporary storytelling - despite the presence of teen idol actors.

Families who watch this film can discuss issues of truth and fiction. Tom Ripley is in some ways a "self-made man," and while his tactics are unsavory, his effort seems in some ways related to the American ideal of being able to pull yourself up by your bootstraps. Why is Dickie and Marge's life so appealing to Tom? How could he have attained the life he tries to write himself into without lying, cheating, and mudering? What, if anything, do we know about the real Tom Ripley?

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Common Sense Review

Reviewed By: Carly Kocurek

Based on Patricia Highsmith's novel of the same name, THE TALENTED MR. RIPLEY tells the story of Tom Ripley (Matt Damon), a nobody New Yorker hired by the wealthy father of Dickie Greenleaf (Jude Law) to convince Dickie to quit Europe and return to New York. The errand fails, however, and once Tom finds himself soaking up the luxury that characterizes the lives of Dickie and his expatriate friends, he can't bare to tear himself away. Tom, whose talents include forgery and impersonations, grows obsessed with Dickie and his fiancée Marge (Gwyneth Paltrow). After Tom is dismissed by Dickie as "a bore," Tom's obsession turns him from mildly creepy to downright criminal.

The film is extremely well-executed at most levels. The cast is exceptional throughout, and Matt Damon proves that he is quite capable of playing a sinister role convincingly. Playing the well-heeled, articulate Marge works well for Paltrow, displaying her usual regal presence.

Perhaps the best part about THE TALENTED MR. RIPLEY is its exquisite recreation of 1950s Europe. The soundtrack, featuring original music by Gabriel Yared, is rather intoxicating, as viewers are treated to a smorgasbord of sumptuous scenery. Despite its rather excellent production values, THE TALENTED MR. RIPLEY tends to feel a bit slow. The plot takes a while to unfold, and viewers trained to watch recent films may find it tedious at times. Younger viewers, in particular, will not likely be appreciative of the plot's complexities and might find themselves squirming in their seats within the first hour.

Families that enjoy watching THE TALENTED MR. RIPLEY may enjoy some Alfred Hitchcock suspense films, particularly Vertigo (1958) or Rear Window (1954). Other suggestions for further viewing include Ripley's Game (2002), which stars John Malkovich as an aging Tom Ripley.

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Content		CS	adults	kids
Content
Sexual Content A man listens to a couple have sex. Several affairs take place. Two men bathe together.
Violence Two gruesome bludgeonings as well as other murders and some fights.
Language
Message
	Social Behavior Tom Ripley lies constantly and commits murders.
	Commercialism The American expatriates' relatively lavish lifestyles figure largely throughout the film.
	Drug/Alcohol/Tobacco Characters drink and smoke.