Fran Magazine: Issue #32

Highsmith, Ripley, Blanchett

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Ripley on the big screen

While the cinematic event of the year took place in Venice, Italy yesterday evening, I participated in the cinematic event of my year: the repertory screening of The Talented Mr. Ripley at Film Forum, or “FiFo” as I am trying to make a “thing” (it’s not catching). I saw the movie for the first time only a few years ago at the eager behest of my friend Sara, but it’s become an annual rewatch since. I love it in part because I think it’s Jude Law’s best role of all time—sleazy, beautiful, tanned, funny. I also love it because, to quote Harry Styles, “You know, my favorite thing about the movie is, like, it feels like a movie. It feels like a real, like, you know, ‘go to the theater’ film movie.” Yesterday was the first time I’ve seen it on the big screen, confirming its role as a real ‘go to the theater’ film movie.