Yes, this is the same Ripley as the Tom Ripley of The Talented Mr Ripley', only this time it is an older Ripley played by John Malkovich. This is not to say you necessarily have to have seen Matt Damon's film to make Ripley's Game' worthwhile as the story stands alone in its own right. In Ripley's Game', we learn what we need to know about the character that he has a taste for the good things in life including a love of fine art, and a ruthless attitude to anyone who stands in his way which enables him to con and even murder when necessary.
Because of his past successes, Ripley is approached by Reeves (Ray Winstone), an old colleague who wants him to murder a rival. At a party, Ripley overhears the host, Jonathan Trevanny (Dougray Scott) insulting him in front of his guests. When Ripley learns that Jonathan is terminally ill, he plans revenge for the insults by exploiting the illness to turning Jonathan into Reeves' paid assassin, thus intruding on and destroying his quiet and happy family life.
The fascinating nature of the character of Tom Ripley makes for an engaging film. It is interesting that I found myself rooting for both the bad and the good guy throughout. Malkovich excels in the role: on the surface he is charming even funny at times, but awareness of his psychotic tendencies and his lack of conscience provides an uncomfortable and chilling edge. Dougray Scott gives a believable and sympathetic performance, while Ray Winstone is sufficiently unpleasant as the acquaintance which Ripley is keen to lose.
I found following Ripley's Game compelling and entertaining and it has been a while since I have been able to associate the word compelling' with any film.
Because of his past successes, Ripley is approached by Reeves (Ray Winstone), an old colleague who wants him to murder a rival. At a party, Ripley overhears the host, Jonathan Trevanny (Dougray Scott) insulting him in front of his guests. When Ripley learns that Jonathan is terminally ill, he plans revenge for the insults by exploiting the illness to turning Jonathan into Reeves' paid assassin, thus intruding on and destroying his quiet and happy family life.
The fascinating nature of the character of Tom Ripley makes for an engaging film. It is interesting that I found myself rooting for both the bad and the good guy throughout. Malkovich excels in the role: on the surface he is charming even funny at times, but awareness of his psychotic tendencies and his lack of conscience provides an uncomfortable and chilling edge. Dougray Scott gives a believable and sympathetic performance, while Ray Winstone is sufficiently unpleasant as the acquaintance which Ripley is keen to lose.
I found following Ripley's Game compelling and entertaining and it has been a while since I have been able to associate the word compelling' with any film.