I’ve recently watched again both Anthony Minghella’s The Talented Mr. Ripley
The cinematography, by John Seale, is truly amazing and the film is so well built, unnoticingly flowing for two hours and twenty minutes, taking us from the beach resorts bathed in sunlight, with the picturesque villas and their light interiors and terraces overlooking the calm and blue seas at the beginning of the movie, to Rome and Venice, when the weather suddenly shifts and we are presented with heavily decorated hotel rooms, in perfect accordance with the succession of events.
And finally the clothes. Ann Roth and Gary Jones were the costume designers, who were nominated for an Oscar for their work. So much of the story telling lies in the clothes, which is why I enjoy so much talking about fashion in film. Tom Ripley, brilliantly played by Matt Damon, wears simple, plain attire, which evokes his working class background (we often see him in his worn-out brown corduroy jacket) and which at the same time helps his deceitful character, blending in without being noticed, hoping for an acceptance and making his way into the world of an upper class. And he always wears his glasses, except when he impersonates Dickie.
Tom is completely outshone by the charismatic Dickie Greenleaf (Jude Law is perfect for the role) and becomes infatuated with him, which eventually drives him to extreme actions. Dickie’s clothes describe so well his self-confidence and his leisury and luxurious lifestyle. Knitted polo shirts, white linen trousers, linen blazers, colourful printed shorts and espadrilles, the perfect summer wardrobe, but one of the finest quality. He has a very individual style, loves to wear hats and jewelry and has his suits tailor-made at a famous sartoria in Rome, where he promises to take Tom to buy him a new jacket, but in the end he doesn’t. The talented Mr. Ripley succeeds to copy his style to the tiniest detail after all; Tom becomes Dickie.
Isn’t this photo above overwhelming?
Above: it speaks a thousand words.
Although Dickie’s wardrobe is the one that first comes to mind when you think about the film, the most suggestive costumes in helping advance the plot are Marge Sherwood’s, played by Gwyneth Paltrow. Her style gradually changes from the carefree resortwear compiled of flirty mid-length printed skirts, bikinis and white shirts tied at the waist or worn over bathing suits, that so well describe the comfortable and easy life she and Dickie have been living, to more serious outfits, sophisticated day-wear (ladylike dresses, trenches, scarves, gloves and compact totes, it’s the 50s after all) and a gorgeous blue evening dress with string bows at the back that she wears to the opera, as the plot darkens and her love life comes to pieces.
There is also Meredith Logue, Cate Blanchett, in a supporting but significant role. She is an American socialite travelling the world. Her belted full skirts, cashmere sweaters and throws-on, berets, red lips and a gorgeous pair of espadrilles I would love to own nicely delineate her character, which was created for the film by Anthony Minghella, who also wrote the script. There’s a suspenseful turn in the plot whenever she makes an entrance. The Talented Mr. Ripley is enthralling from start to end and as I have said at the beginning of the article, a classic, timeless in every aspect.
photos: screen stills from the film, captured by me; kindly link back to classiq if you would like to use any of these images; production credits
I must have watched this movie over 5 times, I like the storyboaird, the characters, the actors, the styling, wardrobes, the location….it is a winner! xoxo
What a great movie (both original and the 90′s version). I loved Jude Law in that movie – confident and cool with the perfect life. I must say after seeing Matt Damon in that role, it took a while before I didn’t think he was very creepy! The fashions, the scenery, the suspense – all beautiful!
x
This is one of my favourite favourite favourite movies! x
I loved this movie and the amazing cast. Gwyneth was superb + I adored her outfits! xx
Beautiful. The scenery, the fashion. It just oozes chic.
xxx
Great tip Ada! I HAVE to see both of them!
WONDERFUL image selections! I love this movie!
this is a gorgeous film..the cinematography is just gorgeous!
One of my all time favorite films, Ada! It totally captivated me and I often find my mind wandering back to it.
xoxo
So beautiful! I love the old 50s styles so much…
Lovely post, Hun!
xoxo
Oh my Ada, this is a gorgeous post. Where do I even begin? This film is one of my favourites, I love everything about it; the cast, scenery, costumes, plot and cruising boats. Cate Blanchett was wonderful in her role and there was Philip Seymour Hoffman too, I love that guy. I haven’t seen the old version but maybe I should do that one day.
Lisa, I don’t know why I haven’t mentioned Philip Seymour Hoffman. He was great in his role too (as always), stealing the scene whenever he appears.
I love this movie!!! The wardrobes were amazing. Oh and Jude law, so dreamy!
great, Ada! the sets are A M A Z I N G! biggest hugs
I’ve never seen the original movie…in fact I didn’t even know it existed, but this second one, really got me. The distribution was perfectly chosen for these roles, the clothes, the views…everything was picture perfect!
I’ve only ever seen bits and pieces of the 1999 remake (I’m not really a Matt Damon fan) but I had no idea that the scenery was so picturesque! The weekend is set to be cold and rainy so I know have my Sunday movie sorted!
Ada, you are great with these film fashion description posts. I did not see the movie, but I have a passion for English actors and Jude Law is one of them
So, today I will be downloading the film and enjoy every second of it. :*
I still have not seen this movie — but I think I need to immediately!
I actually love the revisit–I had forgotten how beautiful the backdrop was. I remember I was in love with the story but had really strong opinions about the acting, which I found to be uneven and one day hope we can discuss over a good coffee!
xo Mary Jo
We have to have a talk about this soon, Mary Jo. xo
Just enjoyed this movie and kostuums and totally ALL!!!
Thank you so,so,so very much for share it here:-)*
Love from Amsterdam,
***Violetta***
It truly is an amazing film. I’m glad you liked my blog post, Violetta.
Gwyneth is one of my favorite actress. Thank you for letting me know of this one. I’ll be renting it soon.
Coco Chanel
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