Debbie,

Thank you for your great comments! I thought the use of many different parts of Italy was gorgeous and very evocative. And very tricky – remember that Ripley is set decades ago, so great care had to be taken to avoid any visual anachronisms. The use of color and lighting in both outdoor and indoor shots was deft and imaginative. Minghella and his cinematographer make every shot beautiful and important!

Phyl,

Thank you for your nice comment! I see Ripley as very much a Hitchcock film for a new generation. It constantly builds suspense, works in a bit of surprise violence, and it is set among upper class people in a glamorous setting – all Hitchcock touches.

I also love old movies – but not all old movies are classics and not all classics are old movies!

Barry

I watched this film recently. Although it was a little too violent for me, I loved the on-location shooting. It does have a Hitchcock feel to it, though I probably would have never thought of it! I also loved Paltrow’s wardrobe. Some of her outfits made me think of Audrey Hepburn’s “Roman Holiday” outfit.

Patricia,

Thank you so much for reading my blog and your interesting comment. I went and read all of the Patricia Highsmith “Ripley” novels after seeing this film version. First, I thought that the movie did justice to the spirit of the book. Second, I felt that each successive novel began to lose a little steam. The second was quite good the third was okay and the fourth and fifth became difficult to sit through. I love that she followed the character in a logical timeline. It would’ve been very interesting if this film had been a big hit to see whether or not there would have been a sequel!