This looks really good. Here’s the trailer.
Andrew Scott stars in Netflix’s “Ripley,” based on Patricia Highsmith’s novel. The “All of Us Strangers” actor portrays the sinister grifter, originally portrayed by the likes of Matt Damon, John Malkovich and Dennis Hopper. Hopefully Scott’s take on the iconic character is a good one.
In the Netflix series, Ripley is hired by a wealthy man to travel to Italy to try to convince his son, Dickie Greenleaf (Johnny Flynn), to return home. The show will be set in 1960s Europe, and will also involve a love triangle between Ripley, Dickie, and Dickie’s fiancée Marge Sherwood (Dakota Fanning).
Steven Zaillian wrote and directed all eight episodes. Zaillian is one of the best screenwriters of the last 30 years in Hollywood. His credits include “Schindler’s List,” “Moneyball” and “American Gangster.” He’s also directed three films: “Searching for Bobby Fischer” and, less successfully, a botched remake of “All the King’s Men.”
“Ripley” was shot in black and white — which could turn out to be a very inspiring creative decision. Best of all, Robert Elswit (“There Will Be Blood,” “Punch Drunk-Love”) is credited as the cinematographer on all eight episodes, and shot the series with Arri Alexa LF digital cameras.
The character of Ripley was most famously adapted by director Anthony Minghella in the 1999 film, “The Talented Mr. Ripley,” and that was a very memorable take. Ditto John Malkovich in the severely underseen 2002 gem, “Ripley’s Game.” There’s also 1960’s “Purple Noon.” However, the best one has to be 1977’s Wim Wenders-directed “The American Friend” which is one of the best photographed films I’ve ever seen and features one of Dennis Hopper’s greatest turns.
“Ripley” premieres April 4 on Netflix.
Ritchie and Statham have collaborated on six movies so far in their careers, so this will be lucky number seven. The others include “Lock, Stock and Two Smoking Barrels,” “Snatch,” and “Wrath of Man.”