The remake supposedly is much closer to the book but Highsmith loved Delon's performance and interpretation of the character. My limited impression of this; she had not realized thenpotential behind what her novel could be with the right director and actor. Reminds me of how Pacino and Coppola elevated a dime store type of book into a cinematic masterpiece.
As for Ripley's transformation, you'll notice how much he changes from a nobody who goes unnoticed and treated condescendingly by others (a prey to people like Philippe and Freddie), into becoming the predator himself. After every killing, he seems ravenous, like a vampire that needs to feed off his victims. The killing doesn't weaken nor diminish him, in fact, he seems invigorated. As if the life force of his victims galvanizes and nourishes him. I think that market scene highlights that change. Before, he would've gone through that market unnoticed, invisible, but after, all eyes are on him. He strolls about with an otherworldly aura, a dangerous one yet beautiful. He's like a panther stalking his prey. He dresses different, he carries himself differently, he exudes confidence and charisma, and sex. Look at Marge, how she used to look at him, pityingy, and watch that scene when he asks her to play for him. Look at how the camera focuses on him, the angle of the shot, we see him as Marge sees him for the first time. He is seducing Marge and in a way, us too. And like Marge, we are seduced. He is a dangerous beauty, he mesmerizes and hypnotizes his victims, before draining their life force. In fact, it seems like the darkness in him enhances his beauty all the more, a psychopathic vampire.
Yeah I guess you can tell I love this film and Delon as well. But like you said, the cinematography and music really enhances this film. I said on another post that the remake The Talented Mr. Ripley is what Goodfellas is, in comparison to what Plein Soleil is to The Godfather.
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