I'm a gracious fan of cinema and film, although I don't profess to be an expert in any shape of the imagination and I'm entirely sure that the remake of the original would more than likely attract the scowls of a true ardent cinema aficionado. However, being extremely interested and motivated by cinematography and photography in equal measures, and with a keen eye and appreciation of true sartorial elegance, this film is near perfect to me.
Without retracing the whole plot behind the film, The talented Mr Ripley is a story set within the golden era of Ivy league culture, focussing on the privilege and power of the upper echelons of American society, and those that desire it with murderous fervour.
Through the film, the eye is treated to scene after scene of superbly styled get ups and bestows a classic Ivy style wardrobe throughout that encompasses classics such as the Bass Weejun loafer, the cord blazer, button down Oxford shirts and devastatingly suave Persol sunglasses.
From the gorgeous backdrop of the beautiful Italian coast and then, in compassion, the thriving streets of late 50's Milano, the film captures the clothing, attitudes and overall style of the time quite perfectly. We see the mindset of the style sayvy and culture concious youth played out through the flirtation of Jazz music and clubs, the undeniably cool persona of Jude Law's character Dickie Greenleaf and the uncompromisingly acute attention to detail that makes this film a joy to watch.
I've picked out a couple of my favourite stills that I think are spectacular both in terms of style and photographic nous, each worthy to be framed in their own right and each emitting that eloquent, sophisticated style that made that period of time a point of reference in style that's celebrated to this day.
It also reminds me how much I want a cord blazer.
After all, if Matt Damon can pull it off...
Enjoy the photos.
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