Andrew Scott and Dakota Fanning star in the new Netflix series “Ripley,” based on Patricia Highsmith’s novel “The Talented Mr. Ripley.” The series follows the story of Tom Ripley, a cunning con man who becomes obsessed with a wealthy heir, Dickie Greenleaf. Fanning plays Marge Sherwood, Dickie’s girlfriend, who is suspicious of Tom from the start. The series explores themes of identity, envy, and the cost of striving for an idealized life.
The actors discussed their fascination with con artists and the complexity of Tom Ripley’s character. They explored the idea of portraying a character with a mysterious past and motivations, allowing the audience to question his actions and sympathize with him, despite his disturbing behavior. Scott and Fanning shared their experiences of feeling duped in real life, highlighting the emotional impact of being deceived, whether it’s losing personal belongings or falling victim to scams.
Fanning delved into the dynamic between Marge and Tom, emphasizing their mutual suspicion and jealousy. She appreciated portraying a character who challenges Tom and doesn’t easily fall for his charms. Scott discussed the subtlety of addressing Tom’s sexuality in the series, opting to keep it ambiguous and focusing on his relationships with art, music, and objects instead. The series presents the characters as ageless, allowing the audience to focus on their behaviors rather than their specific ages.
The actors also touched on the challenges of filming the series, including the numerous stair scenes that required multiple takes. Despite the physical demands of the role, Scott and Fanning embraced the opportunity to portray complex characters in a lavish, suspenseful thriller. “Ripley” offers a modern take on Highsmith’s classic story, weaving together themes of deception, desire, and the search for identity in a world where appearances can be deceiving. With its compelling characters and twisted plot twists, the series promises to captivate audiences with its dark, subversive narrative.
