There are five Ripley movies based on Patricia Highsmith’s acclaimed series of novels featuring the charismatic and morally ambiguous Tom Ripley. These films offer diverse interpretations of Highsmith’s literary creation, each bringing a unique cinematic perspective to the character’s journey of deceit, ambition, and murder.
From Page to Screen: A Legacy of Ripley
Patricia Highsmith’s creation, Tom Ripley, is one of literature’s most fascinating and unsettling characters. His charm masks a chilling lack of conscience, and his relentless pursuit of a better life, no matter the cost, has captivated readers and viewers for decades. The Ripley novels have proven remarkably adaptable to the cinematic medium, spawning five distinct feature films, each reflecting the sensibilities and cinematic styles of its time. Exploring these films provides insight not only into the character himself, but also into the evolution of crime thrillers and psychological character studies. This article will delve into each of these movies, examine their adaptations of the source material, and answer the most pressing questions about the Ripley filmography.
The Five Ripley Films: A Comprehensive Overview
Each Ripley film offers a unique perspective on the protagonist and the specific novel it adapts. Below is a breakdown of each movie, highlighting its key features and reception.
1. Purple Noon (1960)
This French-Italian production, Plein Soleil (French for Purple Noon), was the first film adaptation of Highsmith’s The Talented Mr. Ripley. Directed by René Clément and starring a young Alain Delon as Ripley, it is widely considered one of the best adaptations, lauded for its stunning visuals and Delon’s captivating portrayal of Ripley’s chilling charisma. The film takes certain liberties with the ending of the book, opting for a more conclusive and arguably more satisfying resolution. It’s a classic of European cinema and a stylish take on the source material.
2. The American Friend (1977)
While not a direct adaptation of a Ripley novel, Wim Wenders’ The American Friend features Dennis Hopper as Tom Ripley. However, this film primarily adapts Highsmith’s novel Ripley’s Game, focusing on Ripley’s manipulation of a picture framer into becoming a contract killer. The film is a key example of New German Cinema and is notable for its existential themes and Hopper’s eccentric performance. It stands apart from the other Ripley films due to its distinctly arthouse aesthetic.
3. The Talented Mr. Ripley (1999)
Directed by Anthony Minghella and starring Matt Damon as Ripley, this adaptation of the first novel is perhaps the most widely known and commercially successful. The film boasts a stellar cast, including Gwyneth Paltrow, Jude Law, and Philip Seymour Hoffman, and its lush visuals and compelling narrative garnered critical acclaim. While it remains relatively faithful to the source material, it softens some of Ripley’s darker edges, portraying him with a degree of sympathy that is absent in the novel.
4. Ripley’s Game (2002)
This film, directed by Liliana Cavani and starring John Malkovich as Ripley, is a more straightforward adaptation of the novel of the same name. Malkovich’s portrayal is considered by many to be closer to Highsmith’s original vision of Ripley as a detached and calculating sociopath. The film maintains a dark and suspenseful atmosphere, exploring the complexities of Ripley’s character and his disturbing ability to manipulate others.
5. Ripley Under Ground (2005)
This film, based on Highsmith’s second Ripley novel, stars Barry Pepper as Ripley. It follows Ripley as he tries to cover up the accidental death of an artist whose work he has been fraudulently selling. While the novel is critically acclaimed, the film adaptation received mixed reviews and is generally considered the weakest entry in the Ripley film series.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs) About Ripley Movies
Here are some of the most common questions regarding the Ripley movies, offering further insight into the adaptations and the character himself.
1. Which Ripley film is considered the most faithful adaptation?
While each film takes liberties with the source material, many critics and fans consider Ripley’s Game (2002) starring John Malkovich to be the closest to the spirit and tone of Highsmith’s novels, especially in its depiction of Ripley’s detached and amoral nature. Purple Noon is also highly regarded for its stylish adaptation of The Talented Mr. Ripley, even if the ending differs significantly from the novel.
2. Who has played Tom Ripley in the movies?
Tom Ripley has been portrayed by several actors: Alain Delon (Purple Noon), Dennis Hopper (The American Friend), Matt Damon (The Talented Mr. Ripley), John Malkovich (Ripley’s Game), and Barry Pepper (Ripley Under Ground).
3. Which Ripley movie was the biggest box office success?
The Talented Mr. Ripley (1999) starring Matt Damon was the most commercially successful of the Ripley films, grossing over $128 million worldwide.
4. Are the Ripley movies connected, or can they be watched in any order?
The Ripley films are largely independent adaptations of different novels in the series. While they all feature the same central character, Tom Ripley, they do not form a continuous narrative and can be watched in any order. The American Friend features Ripley as a secondary character.
5. Is there a Ripley TV series?
Yes, there is a recent Netflix series titled Ripley (2024) starring Andrew Scott. This series is a black-and-white adaptation of The Talented Mr. Ripley.
6. What is the order of the Ripley novels?
The Ripley novels in chronological order are: The Talented Mr. Ripley (1955), Ripley Under Ground (1970), Ripley’s Game (1974), The Boy Who Followed Ripley (1980), and Ripley Under Water (1991).
7. Why are some Ripley movies considered “noir”?
Several Ripley films, particularly Purple Noon and aspects of Ripley’s Game, incorporate elements of film noir. These elements include moral ambiguity, a cynical worldview, suspenseful plotting, and stylish visuals, creating a sense of unease and moral decay.
8. Which Ripley film has the best soundtrack?
The Talented Mr. Ripley (1999) is widely praised for its soundtrack, which features jazz standards and original compositions that perfectly capture the film’s sophisticated and alluring atmosphere. Gabriel Yared composed the score, and the soundtrack features performances by artists like Charlie Parker and Dizzy Gillespie.
9. Are the Ripley movies faithful to the source material’s ending?
The degree of faithfulness varies. Purple Noon deviates significantly from the ending of The Talented Mr. Ripley. Other adaptations, like Ripley’s Game (2002), are generally considered to be more faithful to the novel’s plot and themes, although even these take some creative liberties.
10. Which Ripley film is the most underrated?
Ripley’s Game (2002), starring John Malkovich, is often considered underrated. While it received positive reviews, it didn’t achieve the same level of mainstream recognition as The Talented Mr. Ripley. Many appreciate Malkovich’s portrayal and the film’s adherence to Highsmith’s darker vision.
11. What makes Tom Ripley such a compelling character?
Tom Ripley is compelling because he is a complex and morally ambiguous character. He’s intelligent, charming, and resourceful, but also a sociopath capable of manipulation and murder. His desire for a better life and his ability to reinvent himself make him both fascinating and unsettling. His lack of remorse and his uncanny ability to escape detection add to his mystique.
12. Will there be more Ripley movies in the future?
Given the enduring popularity of the Ripley novels and the success of previous adaptations, it is highly likely that there will be future Ripley films or television series. The character’s complex psychology and the morally ambiguous nature of the stories continue to resonate with audiences, making him a ripe subject for cinematic exploration. The success of the recent Netflix series Ripley further solidifies this possibility.