The Talented Mr. Ripley

THE TALENTED MR. RIPLEY Screenplay By ANTHONY MINGHELLA Based On The Novel By PATRICIAHIGHSMITH 1st November 1999 NOTE: THE HARD COPY OF THIS SCRIPT CONTAINED SCENE NUMBERS AND SOME "SCENE OMITTED" SLUGS. THEY HAVE BEEN REMOVED FOR THIS SOFT COPY. 1958 PROLOGUE:INT. RIPLEY'S CABIN. EVENING. Fade up on Ripley, as in the final scene of the film, sitting, desolate in a ship's cabin. The camera rotates around his face, which begins in light and ends in darkness. RIPLEY (O/S) If I could just go back.If I could rub everything out.Starting with myself. Starting with borrowing a jacket. EXT. CENTRAL PARK WEST TERRACE. EARLY EVENING. Ripley is at the piano, accompanying FRAN, a young soprano. CREDITS begin. FRAN (SINGS) Ah, such fleeting paradise such innocent delight to love, be loved, a lullabye, then silence. The song finishes.Applause.They're the entertainment at a cocktail party to celebrate a silver wedding anniversary. Some partygoers congratulate Fran on her performance. A distinguished looking man, pushing his wife in a wheelchair, approaches Ripley, offers his hand. HERBERT GREENLEAF Most enjoyable. Herbert Greenleaf. RIPLEY Tom Ripley. Thank you, sir. HERBERT GREENLEAF (pointing at Ripley's borrowed jacket) I see you were at Princeton. Then you'll most likely know our son, Dick. Dickie Greenleaf... EMILY GREENLEAF We couldn't help noticing your jacket. HERBERT GREENLEAF Yes. EMILY GREENLEAF Class of '56? RIPLEY (hesitating) How is Dickie? INT.