DIRECTOR: Rene Clement
BOTTOM LINE: The first adaptation of Queer author Patricia Highsmith’s 1955 novel “The Talented Mr. Ripley” covers the same ground as the titular 1999 Anthony Minghella version. Gay sociopath Tom Ripley (an almost impossibly beautiful Alain Delon in his movie debut) kills and then assumes the identity of the wealthy and spoiled Dickie Greenlief (Maurice Ronet). Although it lacks the emotional depth and the great supporting cast of Minghella’s film, this version has a unique style thanks to the directorial talents of French two-time Oscar winner Rene Clement (“Forbidden Games”) and his master cinematographer Henri Decae (“The 400 Blows”). Italy has never looked so beautiful. As for Delon, he is sensational. The world had no choice but to sit up and take notice. A superstar is born before our eyes.
65 Queer Films Made Under the Hays Code (1934-1967) Part One. – TheBrownees
65 Queer Films Made Under the Hays Code (1934-1967). Part Two. – TheBrownees
65 Queer Films Made Under the Hays Code (Table) – TheBrownees
45 Queer Films from 1967-1976: Queer Cinema Comes Out – TheBrownees
