There’s an incredible ensemble cast, but the show belongs to Matt Damon. Even Jude Law, who gives an Oscar nominated performance as the spoiled bad boy Dickie Greenleaf is mostly there to provide Damon with someone to bounce off of. In his most difficult role, Damon plays Ripley with a mixture of intelligent calm when he’s plotting and con man twitchiness when he’s acting on those plans. He’s also a confused and scared child who doesn’t understand the situation he’s created.
Cate Blanchett crackles with a joy that rarely comes through in her work, and Philip Seymour Hoffman chews scenery as a clen cut and happy-go-lucky character. “How’s the peeping” has become an internet meme, but I’d want to be there for his introduction when he jumps out of his red Alfa Romeo.
Some films you want to work on just for the locations. Ripley was filmed mostly in Italy, specifically Rome, Naples and Venice. That makes life pretty sweet when you’re not working. I learned that on a much smaller scale from working on two shows in Las Vegas, and I also learned that you always have to be aware that the schedule can change. I’ve gone out for the evening only to learn an hour later that I had to come back because things changed, but at least in Italy there would always be the food.
Leave A Comment