The Talented Mr. Ripley (1999)

The American psychological thriller film, The Talented Mr. Ripley (1999), was written and directed by Anthony Minghella. It is based on Patricia Highsmith’s novel of the same name, and tells the story of Tom Ripley, a man who is approached by shipbuilding magnate Herbert Greenleaf in 1958 New York City. Greenleaf believes that Ripley attended Princeton with his son Dickie and offers him one thousand dollars to travel to Italy and convince Dickie to return to the United States. While on a luxurious ocean liner, Ripley assumes the identity of Dickie and forms connections with people like American socialite Meredith Logue. In the Italian village of Mongibello, he befriends both Dickie and his girlfriend Marge Sherwood, claiming to be a former Princeton classmate.

As Ripley becomes more involved in Dickie’s lavish lifestyle, he develops an unhealthy obsession with him. However, Dickie’s friend Freddie Miles sees through Ripley’s facade and treats him with disdain. Upon returning from Rome, Dickie is shocked to find Ripley dressed in his clothing and dancing in front of a mirror. A local woman named Silvana becomes pregnant after Dickie’s father cuts off Ripley’s travel funds. Dickie cancels a trip to Venice and tells Ripley they should part ways, but Ripley convinces Dickie to take one final trip with him to San Remo. During a small boat ride, Dickie tells Ripley he is tired of him and wants to marry Marge, but Ripley insists that Dickie is worried about their feelings.