Patricia Highsmith’s Tom Ripley has endured as one of the most iconic characters in fiction, especially in the crime genre. So, it’s not surprising that it has been brought to life several times on TV and movies, the latest example being Netflix’s “Ripley,” starring Andrew Scott.
However, one adaptation of the character has stand out among the others, and that’s Matt Damon’s version in “The Talented Mr. Ripley.” Released in 1992, the film, which also stars Jude Law and Gwyneth Paltrow, gave the character a different life.
For one, Damon’s Ripley wasn’t as cold-hearted as in the book or other versions. In Anthony Minghella’s film, the titular character’s motivations are as plain as tragic, making the audience sympathize with him even in the most atrocious situations. Here’s how to watch the iconic thriller.
Where is ‘The Talented Mr. Ripley’ available to stream
You can watch ‘The Talented Mr. Ripley’ on Paramount+ (Showtime add on), Paramount+ (AppleTV add on), Showtime and Showtime (AppleTV add on). In “The Talented Mr. Ripley,” Tom Ripley (Damon) is a con artist who is sent to Italy to convince Dickie Greenleaf (Law), a rich and spoiled playboy, to return home. However, he becomes obsessed with his lavish lifestyle to brutal consequences.
Cate Blanchett and Philip Seymour Hoffman also appear in supporting roles. The film was a critical and commercial success, grossing $128 million worldwide. It received five Academy Award nominations, including Best Adapted Screenplay and Best Supporting Actor for Law.
Prior to the 1999 film adaptation of “The Talented Mr. Ripley,” the novel had already been brought to the screen as “Purple Moon” in 1960, starring Alain Delon as Tom, a portrayal many consider the definitive version of the character. In 2009, BBC Radio 4 produced adaptations of all five Ripley novels, featuring Ian Hart as Tom.
Additionally, other novels in the Ripley series found their way to cinema. “Ripley’s Game” was first adapted as “The American Friend” in 1977, starring Dennis Hopper, and later in 2002, it was re-adapted under its original title with John Malkovich. “Ripley Under Ground” was turned into a film in 2005, with Barry Pepper taking on the lead role.