- “Ripley” is an eight-episode drama miniseries based on the Tom Ripley bestsellers by Patricia Highsmith. The production debuted on Netflix.
- Tom Ripley, a con man struggling to make ends meet in New York in the early 1960s, is hired by a wealthy man to persuade his reckless son to return from Italy. Tom decides to go to Italy, which will begin a complicated path of fraud, fraud and murder in his life.
- He played Tom Ripley Andrew Scottw Marge Sherwood – Dakota Fanninga w Dickiego Greenleafa – Johnny Flynn.
- “Ripley” is a visual gem in a noir atmosphere. A meticulous case study of a withdrawn, shy psychopath. It is also a fascinating guide to Italian art, architecture and music.
An eight-episode miniseries starring Andrew Scott debuted on Netflix. “Ripley” is based on a series of novels by Patricia Highsmith. In 1999, a film version titled “The Talented Mr. Ripley” directed by Anthony Minghella premiered. Back then, we watched Jude Law, Matt Damon and… on the big screen in the main roles Gwyneth Paltrow. The series was adapted by American screenwriter Steven Zaillian (“The Irishman”, “The Girl with the Dragon Tattoo”). How is the new Netflix product? It is a visual gem that will satisfy many viewers’ need for a sense of aesthetics.
The Netflix production devoted a lot of time to getting to know the characters in-depth. We see more than in the film. Tom Ripley’s room, small gestures, details in paintings, sculptures, treasures of Italy’s cultural heritage. The characters of “Ripley” are guides thanks to whom we can admire the impressive monuments of Italy in black and white.
The miniseries has been perfectly styled, with attention to every smallest detail. It is modest in words, but rich in form. This is a real treat for people who find satisfaction in symmetry. Almost every shot could be a painting or a photograph. Unlike its film predecessor, it is less “American”. It is not forcefully shocking, it is not intense or stimulating. It allows viewers to slowly explore the main character’s mind, while enjoying long, aesthetic shots.
I especially remember the photos in the first episodes. The characters descend and ascend stairs on their way to and from the beach. The intricate, maze-like corridors illustrate the inscrutable psyche of Tom Ripley and his relationship with the other characters. This is just one example – a lot of time was spent on thoroughly building the complex psychological picture of the title character, among other things, using symbols.
“Ripley” /LORENZO SISTI
From the very first minutes, “Ripley” introduces the viewer to the atmosphere of noir with thriller elements. The action takes place in the 1960s. The city at night, strong contrasts, many mirror reflections and disturbing shadows. And in all this…Andrew Scott! Personally, I love his roles in the series “Fleabag” and the movie “Good Strangers”, but when it comes to Ripley… As the main character, a psychopathic conman, he is disgusting. The more we travel deep into Tom Ripley’s psyche, the more antipathy we feel. For the first time, Andrew Scott has shed his charm and created a character we hate but root for nonetheless. Paradoxically, we feel fear when the other characters are close to discovering Ripley’s secret.
“Ripley”
/Netflix
Dakota Fanning and Johnny Flynn are on par with the actor. In all three, there are no similarities to the triangle from Mingelli’s film. The actors created completely new, individual characters. So will viewers who have watched “The Talented Mr. Ripley” find something for themselves in Steven Zaillian’s series? Although it is known how the plot ends, which can make you feel bored at times, it is worth watching at least the first episode to admire Scott’s acting and go back in time for a moment.
Andrew Scott in the TV series “Ripley”
Read more: Xavier Dolan created a series for the first time in his career. Available in Poland
