The American Friend

Tom Ripley is a wealthy American living in Hamburg, Germany. He becomes involved in a dubious forgery scheme, manipulating auction prices for artworks by a presumed deceased artist.

During an auction, Tom Ripley encounters Jonathan Zimmermann, a picture framer battling leukemia. Their interaction becomes strained when Zimmermann coldly acknowledges Ripley's reputation, leading to an uncomfortable parting.

French criminal Raoul Minot approaches Ripley with a proposal to eliminate an American gangster. Although initially hesitant to accept the task, Ripley's desire for revenge against Zimmermann's earlier remark sways him.

Ripley orchestrates whispers about Zimmermann's deteriorating health, enticing Minot to offer him a lucrative contract to take out the gangster. Zimmermann, facing the harsh reality of his illness, ultimately agrees to the plan.

Before and after the murder, Ripley visits Zimmermann under the guise of needing framing services. Unbeknownst to Zimmermann, Ripley is the mastermind behind the assassination, yet a bond starts to form between them.

Minot informs Ripley of Zimmermann’s successful hit on the gangster, leading to a new request for Zimmermann to assassinate another target on an express train. This dangerous undertaking showcases the escalation of their violent partnership.

On the train, Zimmermann is momentarily caught off guard by the gangster. Just then, Ripley intervenes, aiding Zimmermann in overpowering their targets and disposing of the bodies from the moving train.

Zimmermann's double life begins to take a toll on his marriage as Marianne grows suspicious of his frequent absences and vague excuses about medical treatments. Feeling betrayed, she decides to leave with their son, Daniel.

Following his wife's departure, Zimmermann is visited by Minot, who questions him regarding a bombing incident at their flat. Zimmermann’s mention of their shared crime raises doubts in Minot's mind about Ripley’s loyalty.

Feeling cornered, Zimmermann reaches out to Ripley as they brace for an impending assault from rival gangsters. Together, they engage in a fierce shootout to defend themselves against the American mobsters.

In the midst of the chaos, Minot is captured and brutally beaten but manages to escape during the turmoil. This escape adds a layer of uncertainty and threat to Ripley and Zimmermann's precarious situation.

Just as Ripley and Zimmermann attempt to escape with the bodies in an ambulance, they are confronted by Marianne, who reveals that the medical reports were falsified. This revelation leaves both men scrambling for an exit strategy.

As tension escalates, Ripley proposes a drastic measure to handle the crisis. He sets the ambulance ablaze, leading to a high-stakes scenario where Zimmermann loses control of the vehicle, resulting in a tragic accident.

In a dramatic climax, Zimmermann crashes the ambulance, resulting in his death while Marianne pulls the emergency brake, narrowly escaping the inferno. This moment epitomizes the tragic fallout of their violent entanglement.

After the chaos, Ripley stands by the beach, reflecting on their tumultuous journey. With a bittersweet acknowledgment, he whispers a farewell to Zimmermann, encapsulating the profound impact of their tragic friendship.