The Strange Mr. Ripley (1999) Ending Explained
TL;DR:
The Strange Mr. Ripley (also known as Plein Soleil or Purple Noon) is a 1960 psychological thriller directed by René Clément, based on Patricia Highsmith's novel The Talented Mr. Ripley. The film follows Tom Ripley, a charming but manipulative young man who assumes the identity of his wealthy friend, Philippe Greenleaf, after murdering him. The ending sees Ripley's elaborate deception unravel as Philippe's friends grow suspicious. In a tense finale, Ripley is exposed when a letter he forged is discovered, leading to his arrest. The film closes with Ripley trapped in a metaphorical prison of his own making, highlighting themes of identity, class, and the consequences of unchecked ambition.
Detailed Explanation of the Ending
The climax of The Strange Mr. Ripley is a masterclass in suspense and psychological tension. After murdering Philippe and assuming his identity, Ripley lives a lavish lifestyle, fooling Philippe's acquaintances and even his fiancée, Marge. However, his carefully constructed façade begins to crumble when Philippe's friend, Freddy, grows suspicious. Ripley's downfall is triggered by a forged letter he writes to Marge, purportedly from Philippe, explaining his sudden departure. The handwriting analysis reveals the forgery, and Ripley's lies unravel. The final scenes show Ripley cornered on a boat, unable to escape the consequences of his actions. The film's closing shot-of Ripley staring helplessly into the distance-underscores his ultimate imprisonment, not by physical bars but by his own moral decay and the inescapability of his crimes.
Themes of Identity and Deception
At its core, The Strange Mr. Ripley is a meditation on identity and the lengths one will go to escape their own reality. Ripley's obsession with Philippe's life stems from his own feelings of inadequacy and envy. By becoming Philippe, Ripley attempts to shed his lower-class origins and gain the social status he covets. However, the ending reveals the futility of this pursuit - Ripley can mimic Philippe's mannerisms and wealth, but he can never truly be him. The forged letter symbolizes Ripley's ultimate failure: his inability to perfect the illusion. The film suggests that identity is not something that can be stolen; it is intrinsic, and any attempt to usurp it will inevitably lead to self-destruction.
Unresolved Questions & Possible Answers
Why does Ripley target Philippe specifically?
- Ripley is drawn to Philippe's carefree, privileged lifestyle, which contrasts sharply with his own bleak existence.
- There may also be a homoerotic undertone, as Ripley's fascination borders on obsession.
Could Ripley have gotten away with the murder if not for the letter?
- Possibly, as he had already fooled most of Philippe's inner circle.
- However, his arrogance and need to control the narrative (by forging the letter) ultimately doom him.
What does the ending say about justice?
- The film implies that moral justice prevails, as Ripley's own actions lead to his capture.
- Alternatively, one could argue that Ripley's punishment is psychological-his eternal dissatisfaction and paranoia.
Cinematic Techniques & Symbolism
The film's ending is heightened by Clément's use of visual storytelling. The Mediterranean setting, with its bright sunlight and azure waters, contrasts starkly with Ripley's dark deeds, emphasizing the duality of his character. The boat, a symbol of freedom early in the film, becomes a prison in the final act. Alain Delon's performance as Ripley is pivotal-his icy detachment in the final scenes makes his downfall all the more chilling. The score, too, plays a role, shifting from jaunty to ominous as Ripley's fate seals itself. These elements coalesce to create an ending that is both visually stunning and thematically rich.
Personal Opinion & Legacy
The Strange Mr. Ripley remains a landmark in psychological thrillers, thanks to its taut storytelling and Delon's mesmerizing performance. The ending is particularly effective because it doesn't offer easy resolutions - Ripley's arrest feels inevitable, yet the film leaves lingering questions about identity and desire. Compared to later adaptations (like The Talented Mr. Ripley), this version is colder, more amoral, and thus more unsettling. The lack of a clear moral lesson makes it a more complex and enduring work. While some may find the ending abrupt, I appreciate its ambiguity - Ripley's fate is less about legal retribution and more about the existential void his actions have created. A masterpiece of tension and psychological depth.