L'homme de Mykonos

An impossibly handsome young artist (Gabriele Tinti) cynically marries a wealthy woman (Anne Vernon) only to encounter and rekindle a passionate old flame on the sun-drenched island of Mykonos during a vacation trip. His frustration gradually causes him to get annoyed with his wife's constant complaints and overly clinging demands for attention. Eventually, he impulsively sets her up for a fatal overdose of medication while he's off sightseeing, but he does have a conscience and is overcome with remorse and rushes back to prevent her demise...too late! Is it murder, or is it? There are some fascinating twists in the events which I will not reveal. The film compares very favorably to the brilliant "Purple Noon", with Mr. Tinti giving a complex, multi-layered performance as Donati, who is a far more nuanced and sympathetic character than is the cold blooded Ripley as played by Alain Delon. Tinti's Donati is far more sensitive and passionate, his charming cynicism ultimately destroyed by the self-inflicted guilt that erodes him,exposing his fundamental vulnerability and innocence. Highly recommended.