Sep 30, 2006 05:04 AM
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Ripley’s Game
Older, Wiser and more Cunning
Tom Ripley is back in the sequel to The Talented Mr. Ripley. He is older wiser and even more cunning. He is also a more developed sociopath with no regard for life or consequences. Who is Tom Ripley? “I am a creation, a gifted improviser. I lack your conscience and when I was young, that troubled me. It no longer does. I don’t believe I’ll be caught because no one is watching…”
In this next tale, Ripley (John Malkovich) is an older version his previous self. Mature and well accomplished. He is also an assassin and marionette master, pulling the strings of those “puppets” around him in his “game” of coersion, deceit and murder. Jonathan Trevanny (Dougray Scott) is his terminally ill acquaintance who is coerced by Ripley and his associate Reeves into killing a Russian Gangster. The money that Trevanny is promised will benefit his wife and son when he is gone.
At the direction of Reeves (Ray Winstone), who is a British version of Tony Soprano, Trevanny makes his debut as an assassin but really does not have the stomach for it. Ripley considers Trevanny an honest and innocent man and when Reeves suggests that he assassinate another gangster tells Reeves that the one time was enough and to leave Trevanny alone. Of course, Reeves doesn’t and when the assassination attempt goes awry, Ripley is there to assist.
Ripley shows us his vicious side when he masterfully kills three gangsters with a garrote in the bathroom on a train and at the same time shows his passionate side with his lady friend, who is a concert pianist. He showers her with thoughtful gifts and dotes on her as she so lovingly reciprocates, quite attune with his antics. Ripley and she share a few very tender moments as the two play the piano in tandem. The décor of his home is also remarkable, grandiose and lush with fine art. Tom may be sociopathic but he also has great taste.
Directed by Liliani Cavani in 2002, this is a masterfully done film, set in Berlin and Italy. Based upon the book by Patricia Highsmith, this version is one that followed the character of Ripley more closely in the novel. Although The Talented Mr. Ripley with Matt Damon was highly acclaimed, John Malkovich is truly captivating, providing Ripley with a very unique cold, yet honorable demeanor. He has that knack of chilling us to the bone with his portrayal like no other can. At times, Malkovich is so seemingly sensitive and sincere in a way that only he could depict the character of Ripley. Rather soft-spoken and calm. His charm compensates for his average at best looks. After all, he too is talented!
