Plein soleil

English title: Purple Noon

Genre: suspense drama

With: Alain Delon (Tom Ripley), Maurice Ronet (Philippe Greenleaf), Marie Laforêt (Marge Duval), Frank Latimore (O’Brien), Billy Kearns (Freddy Miles), Erno Crisa (Inspector Ricordi), Ave Ninchi (Gianna the maid)

Director: René Clément

Screenplay: René Clément and Paul Gégauff (adapted from Patricia Highsmith’s novel)

Release: 1960

Studio: Robert et Raymond Hakim, Paris Film et al.

Rating: PG-13

MBiS score: 8.5/10 

 

In memory of Alain Delon (1935-2024) 

 

Sailing Close to the Wind 

 

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Story-line: while travelling in Italy, Philippe Greenleaf is joined by Tom Ripley – an old friend hired by Greenleaf Sr. to bring him back to San Francisco – but goes squarely against his father’s wishes. Having time to kill and money to burn, he would much rather sail around the Mediterranean with his girlfriend Marge than go back to the States accompanied by an escort. Tom, cash-strapped but resourceful, tags along with the couple for what will be a fateful cruise.   

Pluses: excellent performances by Alain Delon, Marie Laforêt, Maurice Ronet and cast, tight, fast-paced direction, an intriguing and intelligent screenplay that keeps the action going, beautifully luminous cinematography (the seascapes are spectacular), very satisfying production values, a varied and quintessentially Italian musical score (by none other than Nino Rota) and a tightrope ending.

Minuses: you may skip this fine thriller if you have seen its 1999 remake, THE TALENTED MR. RIPLEY (critics have hailed both films… although some have given a slight edge to PLEIN SOLEIL).

Comments: this cold, mysterious and nerve-racking film keeps you guessing with its psychological battles, surprises and multiple twists. Seeing PLEIN SOLEIL is like spending a whole summer day outside in the glorious sun… and feeling a noticeable, uncontrollable chill once darkness falls.   

 

MBiS 

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