description The American Friend Overview
The American Friend is a 1977 neo-noir directed by Wim Wenders based on Patricia Highsmith’s novel. It depicts Tom Ripley manipulating Jonathan Zimmermann, a dying man, into carrying out an assassination. The film features Zimmermann's inconsistent use of language – German with certain contacts and English when interacting with Ripley.
Sources: en.wikipedia.org
info The American Friend Specifications
| Country | Germany |
| Year | 1977 |
help The American Friend FAQ
Why does Jonathan Zimmermann agree to become a killer?
Tom Ripley helps convince Jonathan that his blood disease is terminal and connects him with a criminal who offers money for assassinations. Jonathan accepts largely because he fears leaving his wife Marianne and their child without financial security.
Who plays Tom Ripley in The American Friend?
Dennis Hopper plays Ripley as an American art dealer and forger living in Hamburg. Bruno Ganz plays Jonathan Zimmermann, a German picture framer whose quiet life is disrupted by Ripley's manipulation.
Which Patricia Highsmith novel is The American Friend based on?
Wim Wenders drew the main plot from Ripley's Game, the third novel centered on Tom Ripley. The film also uses elements associated with Ripley Under Ground, particularly Ripley's involvement in an art-forgery scheme.
Why do famous film directors appear as criminals in The American Friend?
Wenders cast several directors in supporting underworld roles, including Nicholas Ray, Samuel Fuller, Jean Eustache, and Gérard Blain. Their presence turns the criminal network into a subtle tribute to filmmakers Wenders admired.
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