Sunday, July 12, 2009

Must See French Film - Purple Noon


Purple Noon (French: Plein Soleil, aka Full Sun or Blazing Sun) is a 1960 film directed byRené Clément, based on The Talented Mr. Ripley by Patricia Highsmith, and starring Alain Delon in his first major movie.

Purple Noon was lauded by critics and made Delon a star. In 1962, Clément and Paul Gégauff won an Edgar Award from the Mystery Writers of America for Best Foreign Film Screenplay. It enjoys a loyal cult following even today, with many fans including film director Martin Scorsese.

The movie has been cited as similar to Highsmith's novel in tone, style, and especially in the characterization of Tom Ripley. Out of all the actors who have played Ripley in movie adaptations of books in Highsmith's "Ripliad" series, many critics, including Highsmith herself, have called Delon's characterization the closest to her personal vision of the character: a charismatic sociopath who lies, murders, and manipulates without a shred of remorse.

This is a terrific version of the book, with a better slam bang ending then the American version starring Matt Damon.

3 comments:

  1. I liked this version better. I won't divulge the ending in case anyone hasn't seen it, but it was one of those "WOW" moments.

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  2. Yes, although I've seen this movie a LONG time ago, I very clearly remember the end of it ;)

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