Ripley's back
Ripley’s Games stars John Malkovich as Tom Ripley, a wealthy man enjoying a comfortable existence in his Italian villa.
He seems to be living the perfect life. His wife is an accomplished musician, his home has more works of art hanging on its walls than most museums.
But hidden in his past is a dark secret and it returns to haunt him in the guise of Reeves (Ray Winstone), who wants Ripley to murder a mafia businessman in Berlin. Ripley declines but instead recommends Jonathan Trevanny (Dougray Scott), a terminally ill picture framer who doesn’t seem to have anything to lose.
Trevanny is left with a choice that could change what remains of his life forever and have devastating consequences for his wife and young son.
Ray Winstone is his usual menacing self as the loathsome and uncouth Reeves.
John Malkovich is perfectly cast as Ripley whose philosophy seems to be if someone gets in the way, kill them. His chilling portrayal brings back memories of Anthony Hopkin’s Hannibal Lector. Ripley’s Games is worth watching for that alone.
Drama, 18. ***
