Retro Film Review- ‘Purple Noon’
This film was released in 1960.
Plein Soleil, known in English as Purple Noon, is a 1960 French thriller based on the Patricia Highsmith novel The Talented Mr. Ripley. Directed by René Clément, Studio Canal and the Criterion Collection released a “restored” version of the film in 2012. This is the version I am reviewing.
The American, calling himself Tom Ripley (Alain Delon), is hanging out in Italy with Philippe Greenleaf (Maurice Ronet). Tom is supposed to bring Philippe home to San Francisco to his wealthy family, but the two spend the money the Greenleaf family is sending. However, Philippe’s friends and fiancée Marge (Marie Laforêt) suspect that Tom has ulterior motives. At first, Philippe brushes this off, but when he catches Tom trying on his clothes and stealing his bank statements, he becomes worried. During a boat trip, Philippe confronts Tom, who murders his former friend and throws the body overboard. Tom then begins to pose as Philippe, spending his money while dodging Marge, friend Freddie Miles (Billy Kearns), and relatives who are all wondering where Philippe has vanished.
The acting is superb. Delon portrays a shifty Ripley who is enjoying the high life and desperately wants the finer things. Ronet’s portrayal of Greenleaf is less selfish than others as he tends to come off more as a party boy instead of a snob. Laforêt does an excellent job as Marge in both beauty and in her attitude, though she is less suspicious of Ripley than in other films.
Highsmith herself was divided on the film. While she thought the performances and adapted screenplay were well done, she did not care for the climax of the movie which diverted from the message of her novel’s conclusion. Perhaps, but that is a discussion for another time.
If I were to change a few things, I would start with how quickly it throws you into the volatile relationship of Greenleaf and Ripley. The plot does not give you any build-up, but then it develops quickly as we learn about these characters. Also, I can tell these American characters were written by Europeans, as they do not behave like typical Americans.
Being mindful of this, I will say that the movie pulled me in. It was well-written, and I was intrigued by the plot. Tom wants desperately to live a high life and will kill to get it. As he seems to move forward with no consequences, his actions become increasingly risky, and watching this unfold was very enthralling.
Bottom line, Purple Noon definitely tosses the viewer in with no floaties, but you catch up quickly and become engrossed in the story of Tom Ripley.
FAVORITE QUOTE: I might not look it, but I’ve got lots of imagination.
PARENTAL CONCERNS: Violence, Substance abuse, Minor foul language
Check out the trailer below:
What do you think? Let me know in the comments below. Tell me if there is a comic book, novel, movie, or anime you would like me to review.