Ripley's Game (movie)

Liliana Cavani (The Night Porter) stays close to the source material in this faithful and fine adaptation of Patricia Highsmith's classic novel of psychological suspense. John Malkovich is the perfect Ripley, deliciously amoral, devoid of emotion and always cunning. Reeves (Winstone) adds the necessary queer touch as a subtly gay gangster. One wonders why New Line didn't release this fine art film in a hundred theaters at least to get the reviews that could have propelled DVD sales.

The film opens as Ripley not only scams an art dealer with fake old master drawings, he kills them and rips off his partner Reeves. Ripley goes home to his Italian villa, gorgeous wife and life as a country gentlemen, with nary a spot of blood on his slacks. His calm is disturbed by the arrival of the vulgar Reeves who entices Ripley with an interesting proposal. Ripley must find an innocent to murder a nasty criminal who is threatening his Berlin nightclubs. Ripley decides that his neighbor Jonathan, an Englishman who is dying of leukemia is perfect for the job. Yes, he's a "wanker" to quote Reeves, but he'll do anything to protect and provide for his family. Jonathan, a picture framer by profession, pulls off the job with ease. That only leads to another assassination, but this one requires the help of the master, Tom Ripley.

Don't expect another Talented Mr. Ripley, this is a subtle European film. It's paced slowly and elegantly, much like the late author Highsmith's books. Lovers of evil will savor Ripley's Game long after they've seen the film.

Scott Cranin