Talented Mr. Ripley Soundtrack CD

THE TALENTED MR. RIPLEY was nominated for the 1999 Academy Awards For Best Original Score.

The soundtrack to director Anthony Minghella's adaptation of Patricia Highsmith's novel is as unpredictable and (occasionally) disturbing as the film itself. Roughly half of it is an original score by composer Gabriel Yared, which ranges from Stravinsky-esque orchestral neo-classicism to a sinister music box tune sung by Sinnead O'Connor. Oldies include vintage cuts by bop-meisters Charlie Parker and Dizzy Gillespie, as well as new performances of bop standards by Brit jazzman Guy Barker (his rendition of "Moanin," the Jazz Messengers' '50s hit is particularly good). Meanwhile, avant-folkie John Martyn turns "You Don't Know What Love Is" into the darkest of blues dirges, and RIPLEY star Matt Damon wins the Chet Baker soundalike contest with his thoroughly credible rendition of "My Funny Valentine."

Original score composed by Gabriel Yared.

Includes liner notes by Anthony Minghella.

Producers include: Graham Walker, Anthony Minghella, Guy Barker, Gabriel Yared, John Martyn.

Personnel: Alan Jenkins (programming).

Recording information: Lansdowne Recording Studios, Lo.

Music By: Gabriel YaredEntertainment Weekly (1/7/00, pp.65-6) - "...the rare soundtrack that both complements the movie and captures its mood on CD....RIPLEY's music oozes the bland elegance of an upscale shopping mall....the music nicely matches the Italian vistas and cool Vespas..." - Rating: B