Mr. Ripley cast delivers hit

Mr. Tom Ripley is a man of many talents - deceit, forgery and impersonation - which all become essential in his relentless efforts to maintain the life he has made for himself in Anthony Minghella's romantic thriller, The Talented Mr. Ripley.

The story opens with Tom Ripley (Matt Damon) receiving a mission to Italy requiring him to bring home his New York boss' playboy son, Dickie Greenleaf (Jude Law). Greenleaf lives with his girlfriend Marge (Gwyneth Paltrow) in a life of luxury in romantic 1950s-era Italy when Ripley enters their lives posing as a former Princeton alum. Mr. Ripley's talents begin to emerge when he decides not only to be a part of Dickie Greenleaf but to actually become Dickie Greenleaf.

Anthony Minghella (writer/director) has created another classic in the shadow of his former multi-Academy Award-winning movie, The English Patient. He has produced characters with such depth that nearly any actor portraying them would be critically acclaimed. However, this movie has no ordinary cast, but a superb ensemble that brings these extraordinary characters to new levels.

Matt Damon (receiving a well-deserved Golden Globe nomination) delivers an awesome performance as a lovable yet dangerous Mr. Ripley. The viewer feels torn between pitying the hero's innocence and condemning him for his desperation. The intensity of his character comes from the fact that his innocence is completely believable. When his desperation turns to murder, it is portrayed as just that: desperation. There is no malevolence in his plan, just survival, thus the story evolves into a tragedy.

British-born Law (Midnight in the Garden of Good & Evil; Gattaca) gives a very impressive performance as Dickie Greenleaf by showing his character's elegance yet still leaving room for vulnerability. Paltrow executes the role of Marge as well as it could be done, since she had only the capacity of becoming increasingly suspicious throughout the movie. Former Golden Globe-winner Cate Blanchett (Elizabeth) produces a noteworthy presentation of a woman who has her eyes on Ripley who, unknown to her, brings many complications in his life.