TIME can heal many wounds, but some cut so deep, the pain never goes away.

When we last met Tom Ripley, the charismatic antihero of Patricia Highsmith's thriller series, he was a small town boy turned opportunist killer played by Matt Damon, wrestling with his sexuality and his conscience.

Many years have passed since the events of The Talented Mr Ripley, and chameleon like Tom Ripley (John Malkovich) now lives in the style of a local grandee in the picturesque Veneto region of Italy with his beautiful wife Luisa (Chiara Caselli).

The couple keep their distance from the locals, which makes them the topic of much speculation and idle chatter.

During a sortie into town, Tom overhears gravely ill picture frame maker Jonathan Trevanny (Dougray Scott) insulting his "lack of taste'' and the schemer vows revenge.

Tom enlists the help of Berlin based associate Reeves (Ray Winstone) to ensnare Trevanny and his wife Sarah (Lena Headey) in a twisted game of murder and greed.

Ripley's Game is an expertly-paced thriller which gathers a head of steam as Ripley's despicable scheme comes apart at the seams.

The final showdown is somewhat anti climactic but director Liliana Cavani keeps a tight rein on the narrative, and she uses light, shadow and fog to considerable effect to shroud the gorgeous Italian locales in an air of mystery.

Ripley is a less interesting character in this film, since he has calmed so many of his insecurities and has finally attained his desired life of privilege and luxury.

He is still too proud (hence the over reaction to Trevanny's insult) and perhaps a little naive, believing that he pulls the strings and is in charge at all times.

Malkovich's performance, so cool and aloof, brings back memories of Vicomte de Valmont in Dangerous Liaisons, which can be a little distracting.

Rating: 8/10

DAMON SMITH