Purple Noon (1960) Film Review B+

DIRECTOR: René Clément

“Purple Noon” Tom Ripley (Alain Delon) is hired by Mr. Greenleaf to travel to Italy and persuade his son Philippe (Maurice Ronet) to return home. Tom becomes inseparable from Philippe, enjoying his luxurious lifestyle but resenting his arrogance. Philippe’s fiancée Marge (Marie Laforet) is wary of Tom’s presence. When Philippe mocks him, Tom kills him during a boating trip. He forges documents and impersonates Philippe to access his wealth. Tom skillfully manipulates authorities and friends, maintaining his double life while Marge grows suspicious.

“Purple Noon” or “Plein Soleil” in French, was the first adaptation of Queer author Patricia Highsmith’s 1955 novel “The Talented Mr. Ripley” and it covers the same ground as the titular 1999 Anthony Minghella version starring Matt Damon and the eight-episode limited series on Netflix written and directed by Steve Zaillian and starring Andrew Scott. Unlike later adaptations, however, Clément’s film concludes with Ripley’s arrest, suggesting that his crimes cannot remain hidden forever.

Although it lacks the emotional depth and the great supporting cast of Anthony Minghella’s masterpiece, “The Talented Mr. Ripley,” this version boasts a unique style thanks to the directorial talents of French two-time Oscar recipient René Clément (“Forbidden Games”) and his master cinematographer, Henri Decaë (“The 400 Blows”). Italy has never looked so beautiful. As for Delon, he is sensational. The world had no choice but to take notice. A superstar is born before our eyes.

Score by Nino Rota.

STREAMING: AMAZON PRIME VIDEO, CRITERION COLLECTION(YOUTUBE) AND APPLE TV+

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