After a year filled with critical acclaim, Andrew Scott, known for his role in “All of Us Strangers,” takes on a challenging new role as Tom Ripley in the Netflix series “Ripley.” Crafted by the esteemed screenwriter Steven Zaillian, Scott’s portrayal delves into the complex psyche of a queer-coded protagonist set against the backdrop of 1950s Italy. Patricia Highsmith, a lesbian author renowned for her psychological thrillers, created Ripley as a figure embodying both charm and menace, which Scott brings to life with nuanced depth.
In “Ripley,” Scott explores the intricate layers of a man skilled in manipulation and murder, yet deeply human in his vulnerabilities. This series marks a departure from previous adaptations by focusing on the quieter, more intimate aspects of Ripley’s life, such as his struggles with identity and acceptance within the societal norms of the time. “The scenes are not necessarily what you would associate with a ‘psychopath,’” Scott explains. Instead, the series paints a picture of Ripley’s everyday life, filled with moments of awkwardness, social anxiety, and the pursuit of belonging.
A Journey Through Darkness and Light
Set in the lush landscapes of the Amalfi Coast, the series begins with Ripley’s mission to retrieve a wayward playboy for a wealthy magnate. However, as Ripley ingratiates himself with the elite, he spirals deeper into deceit and violence. Unlike the sunlit thriller of Anthony Minghella’s 1999 film, this adaptation strips away the Mediterranean colors for a stark black-and-white palette, emphasizing the noir aesthetic. The shift in visual tone complements the series’ exploration of Ripley’s complex morality and the foreboding doom that trails his every step.
The narrative structure of the series, akin to the chapters of a novel, allows for a deep dive into Ripley’s mind, providing a window into his calculated maneuvers and the haunting loneliness of a man forever on the fringes of society. Scott likens the experience to reading a book, where the audience is drawn into the minutiae of Ripley’s world, from the details of a room to the thoughts simmering beneath his calm exterior. This detailed storytelling echoes the mid-century film noir, drawing comparisons to classics such as “The Night of the Hunter” and “The Maltese Falcon.”
The Modern Resonance of Ripley’s Tale
The series not only revisits cinematic traditions but also subtly addresses the nuances of queer identity in a time of pervasive discrimination. Scott portrays Ripley as someone who manipulates societal expectations of sexuality to his advantage, navigating the dangerous waters of the 1950s with a keen awareness of the unspoken. This portrayal brings a contemporary relevance to Highsmith’s work, highlighting themes of otherness and the human desire for connection, however twisted the paths to achieve it might be.
Scott’s performance is a study in endurance, capturing the physicality required by the role and the psychological depth needed to humanize a character often viewed as merely a villain. His Ripley is a testament to the complexities of human nature, inviting empathy for a character that is at once a predator and a product of his circumstances.
Through “Ripley,” Netflix offers a fresh lens on Highsmith’s iconic character, one that resonates with modern audiences while staying true to the spirit of its literary origins. Andrew Scott’s embodiment of Ripley not only challenges previous interpretations but also cements the character’s place as a pivotal figure in the exploration of queer narratives in mainstream media.