For those of you who have never seen this movie, you are missing out on a really awesome movie.  Most of you have probably never even heard of the movie title.  For starters, I'll give some background information on the film:

The movie's original title was Plein Soleil, which means "Full Sun" in French.  As you have probably guessed this movie is a French film.  Released in 1960, this movie was a hit in France, sparking Alain Delon's film career to such later masterpieces as Le Samourai and others.  The screenplay was based, not adapted from Patricia Highsmith's novel, The Talented Mr. Ripley; the film is far different than the celebrated book.  Currently, Anthony Minghella (Director of The English Patient) is wrapping up a movie adapted from Highsmith's novel, also called The Talented Mr. Ripley.  I really don't see why he's doing that, because there is no way that his movie will match, or nearly match Rene Clement's masterpiece.  Tom Ripley was meant to be played by Delon, certainly one of the coolest actors of his time.  But, anyways, after being out of circulation to the USA for many years, Martin Scorsese (Director of Goodfellas and Casino) re-released Plein Soleil under the name Purple Noon.  I missed it in theaters, waited a year for it to come out on video, and finally I got a chance to watch it.  The cinematography is awesome, the score is thrilling, and the acting is top notch.  I would definitely recommend you rent this on a hot and humid summer night.

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All images from Purple Noon are copyright of Miramax Films except movie posters with the word(s) "Plein Soleil" and "A Plein Solel."  No infringement of rights is meant or implied.