What book is The Talented Mr. Ripley (1999) based on?
The Talented Mr. Ripley, book 1 of Ripley, by Patricia Highsmith.
The book behind The Talented Mr. Ripley
The Talented Mr. Ripley
1955 · book 1 of Ripley · by Patricia Highsmith
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Should you read it first?
Read the book first if you want to judge the film's Tom, played by Matt Damon, against Highsmith's original.
Book vs movie
- Minghella added Meredith Logue, played by Cate Blanchett, who is not present in the novel.
- James Berardinelli called the film arguably truer to the events of Highsmith's book, but vastly inferior.
Show the big differences (spoilers)
In the film, Tom strangles Peter on a voyage to Greece after Peter confronts him about seeing Tom kiss Meredith.
What to read next
Ripley Under Ground (1970). After it comes Ripley Under Ground (1970), in which Tom has settled in France.
Ripley in order
- 1The Talented Mr. Ripley 1955
- 2Ripley Under Ground 1970
- 3Ripley's Game 1974
- 4The Boy Who Followed Ripley 1980
- 5Ripley Under Water 1991
Other adaptations of The Talented Mr. Ripley
| Movie or series | Year |
|---|---|
| Ripley | 2024, series |
| Purple Noon | 1960 |