'The Talented Mr. Ripley' should be noted mostly for helping launch the career of Jude Law, who's role as Dickie Greenleaf brought him an Academy Award nomination as well as into the eyes of the American public. The film (based on the novel of the same name) follows Tom Ripley (Matt Damon), a poor student who happens to be very talented with forgery and impersonation. Upon a parent's request, he travels to Italy to find Dickie (Law) and attempts to convince him to return to the United States. In the process however, Tom becomes obsessed with Dickie and his fiancé Marge (Gwyneth Paltrow), which eventually leads him to take on two different personas, that of Tom Ripley, and a Dickie imposter. Confused? As was I. The film lacks a deep understanding of Tom's desire to become Dickie, and therefore a regular audience never comprehends the reasoning behind his actions. Overall, the film is intriguing at times but mostly leaves the audience scratching their heads, trying to riddle out how Matt Damon never got caught for his evil-doings. The film did succeed however, in helping five then-young stars go on to achieve greater fame. Damon and Law have since earned a second Oscar nomination, and Cate Blanchett and Philip Seymour Hoffman have also won Academy Awards. Damon, Law and Paltrow will all star together once more in 'Contagion', released in October of this year. 6 out of 10 stars.
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