13 Comments

I kept this post for later, like dark chocolate after dinner, because I knew I would savor every bite.

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That's kind!

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This is heaven. Never seen it as felt idea of John M as Ripley was absurd, but you've convinced me. YES Ripley cookbook.

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Very good. My wife and I hated the first couple of episodes of the new Ripley series, too old, Dickie not glamorous and that bit of bizarre casting. But it gets so much better after th e murder. The venice episodes are brilliant.

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I too am a fan of Highsmith’s Ripley series and I’ve always enjoyed this adaptation. I read somewhere that John Malkovich always wanted to play the character of Mr. Ripley and he does a wonderful job, that said he sometimes is a bit over the top at times. And the train scene feels more like a P.G Wodehouse sketch to me. And one can't go wrong with Ray Winstone and an amazing Ennio Morricone score. Thanks for the article.

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With you 100% on the latest Ripley (way too arch). Time to revisit Malkovich and Ripley's Game

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Excellent. I have read the book ‘Ripley’s Game’ but you have whet my appetite for more.

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I don't think Ripley Underground was ever finished...! From what I recall, it's an infamously unreleased movie, none of us may ever see it!

Fromtheyardtothearthouse.substack.com

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Thanks. I need to check this. The complete film does seem to be viewable on YouTube, though? :https: //www.youtube.com/watch?v=Iyh-CSIAhVA

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Ah, ok. I remember now, I was mistaken. It was never released in America. I did hear something about it being unfinished. Looking at these opening credits, that seems accurate. Good find!

Fromtheyardtothearthouse.substack.com

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It seems that dry humor is one of the hardest things to pull off in acting

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I've always liked Ripley's Game. As someone who's never read the source novels, I have no objection to the casting of John Malkovich. I think his performance in this film is in fact some of his best (because least mannered) work.

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I've probably watched Ripley's Game six or seven times now? And Malkovich's performance is growing on me. Superficially, he's not like the Ripley of the books, on the other hand he has Ripey's psychopathic indifference, plus the sardonic humour... it's a terrific performance.

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