Ripley 2024 Tv Mini Series Review – Netflix

In shaping his vision for the “Ripley” series, showrunner Steve Zaillian kept a steadfast focus on the source material. While Anthony Minghella’s 1999 film adaptation looms large in popular culture, Zaillian found his inspiration in Patricia Highsmith’s 1955 novel, crafting an eight-episode series that stays true to the original text.

“I believe a novel deserves more than a two-hour adaptation,” Zaillian remarked during an early Netflix screening in New York City. “It demands eight, ten, twelve hours to truly capture the pace and beauty of its storytelling, which I aimed to emulate in this format.”

The decision to adopt a black-and-white aesthetic was also rooted in the essence of Highsmith’s work, according to Zaillian. He noted that in the 1950s, the era of the novel’s publication, films were predominantly monochrome. “If Patricia had envisioned a film version of her book at the time, it likely would have been in black and white,” Zaillian explained. “The cover of my copy was in black and white, so as I delved into the story, that visual style naturally took shape in my mind.”

Moreover, Zaillian emphasized the sinister and dark nature of the narrative, which he believed would be at odds with a picturesque Italian backdrop. “I couldn’t envision this tale unfolding amidst vibrant colors and sunny skies,” he added.

While “Ripley” pays homage to film noir, Zaillian and cinematographer Robert Elswit aimed to sidestep genre clichés. The series begins with bright, daylight-filled scenes, gradually embracing noir elements in later episodes to complement its deliberate pacing. This deliberate pacing, noted by star Andrew Scott, encourages viewers to savor the unfolding narrative, akin to the experience of reading a novel.

“In an age dominated by rapid-fire communication and short attention spans, our series invites audiences to indulge in the rich descriptions and immersive atmosphere reminiscent of novelistic storytelling,” Scott remarked. “The marriage of black-and-white cinematography with the pacing and tone of the show not only enhances the viewing experience but also allows us, as actors, to fully inhabit our characters.”