Purple Noon (1960)

 Rene Clement's "Purple Noon"


Adapted from the 1955 Patricia Highsmith novel, "The Talented Mr. Ripley," Rene Clement's 1960 film "Purple Noon" takes it liberties with a source material that centers on a young man who attempts the life of a luxurious man. Starring Alain Delon in the role that would become a breakout role for the young actor, the film would go on to be considered one of Clement's most memorable films. However, this adaptation of the Highsmith novel would eventually be overshadowed by Anthony Minhella's 1999 film "The Talented Mr. Ripley," starring Matt Damon.

I was excited going in to the film. I had never seen the 1999 version of this story before, so I was intrigued to get in on the ground floor with this original adaptation. I've got to say that I was a little disappointed with the film. Don't get me wrong, it was mildly amusing. However, there was not much intrigue to the story beyond the protagonist Ripley secretly trying to take over in the stead of a man that he kills. I found there to be an inherent lack of depth and the film felt more like a standard melodramatic thriller. That being said, it was unentertaining by any means. In fact, it had very beautiful cinematography and a well-crafted story (based on Highsmith's original concept). I was just looking for a little more, I suppose.




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