Fans praised Andrew Scott for his portrayal of Tom Ripley in the Netflix drama Ripley, a new adaptation of Patricia Highsmith’s novel The Talented Mr. Ripley. Some viewers were mesmerized by the show’s black-and-white aesthetic and Scott’s performance, while others were critical of these elements. Oscar-winning screenwriter Steven Zaillian wrote and directed the series, which has been compared to the work of 1940s directors like Alfred Hitchcock.
The series stars an ensemble cast including Johnny Flynn, Dakota Fanning, and John Malkovich, with Scott at the center of the intrigue as the duplicitous and charming Tom Ripley. Critics have been divided on the show, with some praising Scott’s performance as ‘spellbinding’ while others feel he is ‘all wrong for this’. The series has been described as a ‘work of art’ by some critics, with its cinematic visuals leaving them in awe. Set in the 1960s, the story follows Tom as he is hired to convince a wealthy New Yorker’s son in Italy to return home, leading to a web of deceit and murder.
Despite Scott’s strong performance, some reviewers felt that the supporting cast did not quite measure up to his portrayal of Tom Ripley. Dakota Fanning and Johnny Flynn received mixed reviews for their performances, with some comparing them unfavorably to past portrayals of their characters. However, the visually stunning aesthetics of the show have received widespread praise, with its noir take on the story providing a unique and captivating viewing experience.
The character of Tom Ripley has been portrayed before, most notably in the 1999 film adaptation starring Matt Damon, Jude Law, and Gwyneth Paltrow. This new adaptation aims to provide a fresh take on the classic story, with Zaillian’s direction and Scott’s performance at the forefront. While some viewers found the show to be slow-paced and boring, others were captivated by its mysterious and unsettling atmosphere.
Andrew Scott has described his role as ‘mentally and physically really hard,’ acknowledging the challenges of playing such a complex character. Despite the pressures of following in the footsteps of previous portrayals of Tom Ripley, Scott has approached the role with a fresh perspective and a commitment to creating his own version of the character. Ripley is now available for streaming on Netflix, inviting viewers to immerse themselves in its lavish visuals and mesmerizing performances.
