Purple Noon (1960) was the first adaptation of Patricia Highsmith's thriller The Talented Mr. Ripley by Rene Clement. My first exposure to the story was through Anthony Minghella's 1999 version with matt Damon and Jude Law. Thus, it's hard for me to discuss the French version without referring to the most recent adaptation. I think the casting of Alain Delon as Ripley is much more successful since he is so charming and alluring-Damon's Ripley is plain and is overshadowed by Jude Law. Delon makes us feel the tension of Ripely getting caught in the act of disposing of the bodies and getting away with murder. Maurice Ronet is also good as the smug Dickie Greenleaf. Minghella's version has better female leads in Gweneth Paltrow and Cate Blanchard. The beautiful Mediterranean islands and ocean shine through the cinematography in both films. i think it is well worth searching out.
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