The most frustrating aspect of the movie is that each time Tom is caught, he manages to escape. This suspension of disbelief is fine with me, but the movies drags for too long and the same method of escape is used. It is not because of Tom's ingenuity that he survives, but rather in spite of his stupidity. It is coincidence that lets him off. Damon and Law present fine performances, as does Paltrow.
Law is well-cast as a cocky and disarming hedonist.
As I mentioned before, aside from the pacing, the movie is a dark look at the workings of friendship and love, and how jealousy and the desire to be accepted can take hold of one's emotions. Entangled within this complex web of relationships is the notion of hiding secrets, be it homosexual tendencies or murderous desires or just plain insecurity. I cannot help but sympathise, in a pitiable manner, with a character like Tom Ripley who must struggle to overcome the personality he's burdened with.