Plein Soleil DVD

Based on the novel by crime scribe Patricia Highsmith (who also wrote 'Strangers On A Train'), Rene Clement's striking study from 1960 of a glamorous and complex psychopath features a career-defining turn from a young, beautiful and ultra-cool Alain Delon (La Samourai).

In a taut, expertly crafted thriller Delon is Ripley, an emissary sent by a wealthy American industrialist to save his son, errant playboy Philippe Greenleaf (Maurice Ronet), from a life of decadence in Rome. Insinuating himself into Greenleaf's existence, Ripley practises his signature and dresses up in his clothes before attempting to steal his life, his girl and most importantly his money.

Recently re-made as the star-studded 'The Talented Mr Ripley', Plein Soleil is an engrossing meditation on transference and deceit. Highly rated by the famously critical Highsmith, the film is a genuinely stylish original.

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