Plein Soleil

Shown: 8 March 1999

France/Italy 1960 (subtitles)
Directed by René Clément
Leading players - Alain Delon, Marie Laforêt and Maurice Ronet

Synopsis

A wealthy American businessman hires Tom Ripley (Alain Delon) to bring his son Philip (Maurice Ronet) home from the Italian Riviera where he is enjoying life with his lover Marge (Marie Laforêt).

The ambiguity of the feelings between these three is intriguingly drawn and the instinctive distrust felt by Marge for Ripley is amply justified. Ripley is dismayed that Philip does not wish to leave the rich Mediterranean resorts - marvellously photographed by Henri Decae - and so he coldly formulates a plan to ensure his future. Dressing as and impersonating Philip is only the first move.

* * * * * *

Alain Delon with his ability to project "the devilish presence beneath the angelic surface" is perfectly cast as the self absorbed and ruthless Tom Ripley.

Director René Clément's realistic approach, when Ripley disposes of his victim the scene is filmed in real time, gives a tense and disturbing feel to this classic of film noir.

A new version of this film is in the making from director Anthony Minghella and starring Matt Damon as the eerie anti-hero. It should be worth catching the original classic to see how they match up.