Overview
A gripping tale of deception and ambition unfolds on the sun-drenched shores of Europe.
Ember's analysis
- Pacing
- Measured
- Intensity
- Strong
- Complexity
- Layered
- Violence
- Moderate
- cool
- menacing
- sophisticated
- classic film night
- crime thriller night
What critics said
Critics broadly praise the film’s stylish direction, expert camerawork, and Alain Delon’s magnetic portrayal of Tom Ripley, while some find the ending less satisfying than the preceding deception.
What sets it apart
May contain story progression spoilers
Tom Ripley moves among Philippe’s wealthy circle while constructing a convincing public persona.
Alain Delon’s poised performance makes Tom fascinating while his ambition and ruthlessness remain central.
The Mediterranean setting, blue seas, elegant interiors, and crisp tailoring frame an atmosphere of hidden menace.
Tom relies on deception and carefully arranged appearances to keep his criminal actions concealed from police and acquaintances.
Films like Purple Noon, and why
The Talented Mr. Ripley
psychological crime thriller centered on identity theft, social performance, and a charismatic amoral protagonist
Le Samouraï
stylish european crime film combining sunlit luxury, noir menace, and an outsider’s predatory ambition
The Servant
sophisticated murder thriller driven by deception, class anxiety, and carefully maintained appearances
The Last Seduction
coolly elegant noir about criminal concealment, duplicity, and moral unease beneath beautiful surfaces
Movie Details
- Director
- René Clément
- Release Date
- 1960-03-10
- Runtime
- 118 min
- Rating
- 7.6 / 10 (627)
Cast
- Alain Delon
- Marie Laforêt
- Maurice Ronet
- Erno Crisa
- Frank Latimore
- Billy Kearns
- Ave Ninchi
- Viviane Chantel
- Nerio Bernardi
- Barbel Fanger
Where to watch in United States
- Rent
- Amazon Video, Apple TV Store, Fandango At Home
- Buy
- Amazon Video, Apple TV Store, Fandango At Home
Streaming options come from TMDB and change over time.
Common questions
- What is Purple Noon about?
- A beautiful, calculating drifter turns wealth, friendship, and identity into instruments of criminal survival beneath the Mediterranean sun.
- What is Purple Noon like to watch?
- Ember's analysis rates the pacing of Purple Noon as measured, its intensity as strong and its storytelling as layered.
- Is Purple Noon violent?
- Somewhat. Ember rates the violence in Purple Noon as moderate.
- What did critics think of Purple Noon?
- Critics broadly praise the film’s stylish direction, expert camerawork, and Alain Delon’s magnetic portrayal of Tom Ripley, while some find the ending less satisfying than the preceding deception.
- Which films are like Purple Noon?
- Films with a similar feel include The Talented Mr. Ripley, Le Samouraï, The Servant, and The Last Seduction.
- How long is Purple Noon?
- Purple Noon runs 118 minutes.
- Where can I watch Purple Noon?
- In United States, Purple Noon is available to rent or buy from Amazon Video, Apple TV Store, Fandango At Home.
