The Talented Mr. Ripley (1999)

I read Greg Sestero's The Disaster Artist earlier this year and he did mention The Talented Mr. Ripley several times. I had never heard of it before but it stars Matt Damon, or Mark Damon as Tommy Wiseau misheard, so I thought I'd give it a chance. Even though I'm not a fan of Damon at all. 

New York, 1950s. Tom Ripley (Matt Damon) is working as a lavatory attendant when he borrows a Princeton jacket to play the piano. He ends up pretending to know wealthy Mr. Greenleaf's (James Robhorn) son, Dickie (Jude Law), and he is soon offered one thousand dollars to go to Italy and convince Dickie to return home. But when he gets there, he attaches to Dickie and his girlfriend Marge (Gwyneth Paltrow) and things get out of control pretty soon.

Just in case you haven't figured it out yourself, the plot is absolute nonsense from start to finish. It's not clever, it has many plot holes, some subplots that don't make a lot of sense and it unfolds in a quite predictable way. And I'm not saying this because I read it in Sestero's book. To be honest, it's been so long since I read it, I forgot everything I knew about The Talented Mr. Ripley's plot.

That being said, the film still managed to grab my attention. How did that happen? Simply because this is one of those movies that, rather than relying on a solid plot, rely on its characters, and Tom Ripley is a hell of a character. He is amoral, he lies and deceives all the time --his talents, after all, are lying, impressions and forgery. And boy if he is pathetic. Pathetic doesn't even come close to describe him. And yet he is so fascinating, so interesting, he keeps you glued to the screen. But that's not all. In spite of him having Matt Damon's face and the fact that he is such a horrible person, at the end you'll find yourself sympathizing with him. I guess I should give some of the credits to Damon too. He embodies the character's goofiness and geekiness very well and conveys the desperation of the character equally well.

Paramount Pictures, Miramax Films

The supporting characters are just as interesting and well-performed. Dickie is nothing more than a rich, spoiled, vain and cruel young man, but Jude Law's performance makes him quite remarkable. Marge is an intelligent woman who chooses to not see what's happening right in front of her. She is a bit clichéd as she is the typical woman who knows something shady is going on and becomes emotionally distressed because of it but nobody believes her mainly because she is a woman. Paltrow's performance though is good and makes you forget about those flaws. Among the many other supporting characters, there's Philip Seymour Hoffman's Freddie Miles. He's not on screen for a very long time and he is rather annoying, but because of Hoffman, he leaves an indelible impression.

At last, there are a brilliant musical score and terrific costumes, and the beautiful Italian scenery that makes The Talented Mr. Ripley even more pleasant to watch.

THE MARTIAN Set To Overtake GLADIATOR As Ridley Scott's Top Box Office Draw

Ridley Scott has to be smiling broadly right now as his 3D space adventure THE MARTIAN continues to hold on to first place at the box office. In fact the Matt Damon starrer will overtake GLADIATOR as the top box office draw in all of Scott's releases sometime this week. THE MARTIAN currently stands at $182m and GLADIATOR did $188m worth of business back in 2000.

THE MARTIAN only dropped 27% this past weekend for an estimated take of $11.4m. Couple that with the bombs of SCOUT'S GUIDE, OUR BRAND IS CRISIS and BURNT (which I thought was very good) and voila - Martian Victory. Trouble is definitely on the horizon though as SPECTRE looms large this Friday. The latest James Bond installment just set records over in the UK during it's opening there. It'll open to huge business here as well and will hold it until THE HUNGER GAMES closes up shop with part 2 of MOCKINGJAY.

So congratulations to Ridley Scott for his achievement and continued success with 3D. An amazing accomplishment! Looking forward to ALIEN: PARADISE LOST and more native 3D from Scott and 3ality!!

3D Movie Review: THE MARTIAN: 9.3 Stars - Scott's Triumphant Vision Soars!

Spoiler-free, in case you haven't seen it yet and want an opinion.

I don't think there are enough superlatives to describe director Ridley Scott's spectacular take on a magnificent novel (one that you should seek out and read). The movie is not perfect, but masterfully crafted. Cinematographer Dariusz Wolski will again drop your jaw and interestingly enough, he is going head to head against himself this week as he is also the DP on Zemeckis' THE WALK - another 3D movie that just opened!

As you can see, I haven't rated anything to do with this movie below a 9/10. I think that's a first for me. Usually there is some glaring flaw somewhere in a production that I must comment on, but sincerely the only thing I can say that may not be taken as a compliment is that the movie veered from the novel. But of course it will - it's a slightly more than 2 hour movie and will indeed have its own version. However, even this point is not all that negative to me at all. In what is a rare occurrence for me, I found myself thinking "Oh wow - I truly don't know where he is going with this" adding a level of suspense I didn't think possible after reading a movie's novel before seeing the film, rather than think that the movie is ruining the original story. Far from it. Both are standalone and wonderful. So even if you have read the best selling book - go see this movie!

The character development and story are breathtaking. Of course it centers on Watney (Matt Damon) and within you see a carefully crafted evolution of the man. Realization, self-deprecation, humor, despair, hope, joy, fear, achievement. The journey is long, yet concise. A perfect balance; something you definitely need when the story itself takes YEARS to tell and yet still flows much better than I ever thought possible.

It's a rousing couple of hours that will keep you entertained, thrill you and challenge you to think.

The movie's 3D was exceptional and solid. Most of the movie was shot in native 3D (as per the Ridley Scott norm) by stereographer Gareth Daley using our friends at 3ality's 3D rigs and expertise, and it shows. Gareth nailed it! I've got to watch it again just to see what I've missed because at times there is much to take in. See it on the largest 3D screen possible in your area and with the best sound. The experience will blow you away.

Damon delivered a solid Watney. Personally I would have cast someone else, probably someone younger perhaps Aaron Paul - but let me reassure you that Damon is believable and enjoyable in this role. At no time did I think "I don't believe this" or that the character doesn't work. Exact opposite in fact. Most audiences will still have in their mind GOOD WILL HUNTING and how brilliantly Damon played a genius. Same applies here. I just felt the role would be better served by a younger actor. That is it.

So I won't go into more details and ruin any element of the movie for you, but again, I seldom give 9's and above across the board. Check it out - it's worth your hard earned money and DEFINITELY see it in 3D.

Here's the storyline for the movie:
During a manned mission to Mars, Astronaut Mark Watney is presumed dead after a fierce storm and left behind by his crew. But Watney has survived and finds himself stranded and alone on the hostile planet. With only meager supplies, he must draw upon his ingenuity, wit and spirit to subsist and find a way to signal to Earth that he is alive. Millions of miles away, NASA and a team of international scientists work tirelessly to bring “the Martian” home, while his crewmates concurrently plot a daring, if not impossible, rescue mission. As these stories of incredible bravery unfold, the world comes together to root for Watney’s safe return. Based on a best-selling novel.


THE MARTIAN is now playing.

Watch: First Clip From Ridley Scott's THE MARTIAN

Check out the first clip from Ridley Scott's THE MARTIAN from 20th Century Fox. The movie stars Matt Damon as astronaut Mark Watney based on the best selling novel from Andy Weir (an excellent read by the way).

The clip is reserved in that it doesn't give much away in regards to plot or characters, but definitely sets up a story based in real science and an expectation that it's believable. The crew has a great dynamic too. Ridley Scott is known for these traits and so my excitement for the movie is off the charts.

Here's the storyline for the movie:
During a manned mission to Mars, Astronaut Mark Watney is presumed dead after a fierce storm and left behind by his crew. But Watney has survived and finds himself stranded and alone on the hostile planet. With only meager supplies, he must draw upon his ingenuity, wit and spirit to subsist and find a way to signal to Earth that he is alive. Millions of miles away, NASA and a team of international scientists work tirelessly to bring “the Martian” home, while his crewmates concurrently plot a daring, if not impossible, rescue mission. As these stories of incredible bravery unfold, the world comes together to root for Watney’s safe return. Based on a best-selling novel.

THE MARTIAN launches wide on October 2 and premieres at the Toronto International Film Festival.

Watch: New Trailer For Ridley Scott's THE MARTIAN

Oh man - can't wait for this movie to touchdown. Matt Damon stars in director Ridley Scott's native 3D return to space and it looks like all systems go for a great movie here. The story should be amazing as I've read the book and hopefully they don't stray too far from the original material. It seems they aren't - Damon's character even uses the same terminology that's found in the book: "Here's the rub...".

I think Ridley is going to knock this one out of the park. Hopefully there's ample momentum here for his PROMETHEUS 2 afterward! 3ality Technica is behind the rigs for the production so you know the 3D in this movie will be jawdropping.

Here's the storyline for the movie:
During a manned mission to Mars, Astronaut Mark Watney (Matt Damon) is presumed dead after a fierce storm and left behind by his crew. But Watney has survived and finds himself stranded and alone on the hostile planet. With only meager supplies, he must draw upon his ingenuity, wit and spirit to subsist and find a way to signal to Earth that he is alive. Millions of miles away, NASA and a team of international scientists work tirelessly to bring “the Martian” home, while his crewmates concurrently plot a daring, if not impossible rescue mission. As these stories of incredible bravery unfold, the world comes together to root for Watney’s safe return.

Cast: Matt Damon, Jessica Chastain, Kristen Wiig, Jeff Daniels, Michael Peña, Kate Mara, Sean Bean, Sebastian Stan, Aksel Hennie, Donald Glover, Mackenzie Davis, and Chiwetel Ejiofor

THE MARTIAN takes off October 2 in Real D 3D. Enjoy the trailer!

MUST WATCH: First Trailer And Intro Clip for Matt Damon's THE MARTIAN

I've read the book guys and this trailer seems to indicate that the original story is fairly intact and that is great news, because the book rocked. And it's directed by Ridley Scott - so there's THAT.

Watch the trailer - this is a huge personal survival story in the harshest of climates - Mars. The additional video clip introduces the crew of the Hermes to us in an affable manner as well - so far the marketing for the movie has been intelligent and at a human level; perfect for the story. Trust me, if they keep to the book (and they should, it was a best seller), then this movie will definitely take off.

Here's the movie's storyline:
During a manned mission to Mars, Astronaut Mark Watney (Matt Damon) is presumed dead after a fierce storm and left behind by his crew. But Watney has survived and finds himself stranded and alone on the hostile planet. With only meager supplies, he must draw upon his ingenuity, wit and spirit to subsist and find a way to signal to Earth that he is alive. Millions of miles away, NASA and a team of international scientists work tirelessly to bring “the Martian” home, while his crewmates concurrently plot a daring, if not impossible, rescue mission. As these stories of incredible bravery unfold, the world comes together to root for Watney’s safe return. Based on a best-selling novel, and helmed by master director Ridley Scott, THE MARTIAN features a star studded cast that includes Jessica Chastain, Kristen Wiig, Kate Mara, Michael Pena, Jeff Daniels, Chiwetel Ejiofor, and Donald Glover.

THE MARTIAN takes off on November 25.

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