Based on the Patricia Highsmith novel. A young man named Tom Ripley travels to Italy under commission to coax a young American playboy back to his wealthy family who are unhappy with their son living so far away. But Ripley finds himself very fond of Dickie Greenleaf. He wants to be like him - exactly like him, and begins to imitate him. Ripley is definitely not your normal hero, he's a man without a conscience and completely amoral - and is willing to commit numerous murders and unspeakable acts to get what he wants.

Matt Damon has not really been able to capitalise on his astounding role in Good Will hunting, with failures like The Rainmaker and Rounders. However I feel that that streak will end with this movie. He plays a very intriguing character, a role that insiders say has Oscar potential. He is joined by Jude Law and the Gwyneth Paltrow, fresh from her oustanding success with Shakespeare in Love. Mingella's last movie swept the Oscars, and this movie will have a good chance of doing the same. Overall a good prospect at teh box office.