Just a few days after finishing the final episode of the Ripley series, I found myself diving back in for a second viewing. The film's striking beauty is hard to resist, and I’m sure you'll feel the same pull to revisit, reflect, and appreciate the stunning frames and creative camera angles throughout.
The "frame within a frame" technique is a signature filming style of Ripley. Tom Ripley is often placed within multiple layers of frames created by windows, doors, gates, and more.
Comparisons to earlier adaptations, especially The Talented Mr. Ripley (1999) featuring Matt Damon and Jude Law, are inevitable. That film held my attention for years. With Netflix’s Ripley, I went in without expectations, already familiar with the story’s twists and turns. Yet, it’s one of the few series I didn’t abandon midway; in contrast, I dropped The Gentlemen after two episodes, finding it dreadfully dull.
Ripley serves as an excellent vehicle for showcasing Italian culture, art, and, notably, fashion.
Based on Patricia Highsmith's 1955 novel, the series follows con artist Tom Ripley (Andrew Scott) on a lavish Italian adventure funded by a wealthy shipping magnate. His task is to persuade the wayward heir Richard "Dickie" Greenleaf (Johnny Flynn) to return home. As Tom immerses himself in Dickie's extravagant lifestyle, envy festers, leading him to covet Dickie's life.
Director Steven Zaillian and his talented team have meticulously crafted the aesthetic of the 1960s, making Ripley a stunning tribute to Italian culture, art, and fashion.
The filming locations are a dream: Venice, Rome, Naples, and Palermo. Zaillian scoured the Amalfi Coast for the ideal backdrop to reflect Dickie Greenleaf's opulent lifestyle. He ultimately chose the quaint village of Atrani, which retained its 1960s charm, especially since filming occurred during the COVID pandemic when tourist crowds were absent.
Dickie, the privileged heir to a vast fortune, has lived in wealth since childhood, so it's only natural for him to gravitate towards luxurious materials and an "old money" style with tailored clothing.
The costume design in Ripley effectively conveys character. Dickie, born into affluence, wears clothing that reflects his privileged upbringing, while Tom's style evolves dramatically as he navigates the world of the elite.
Tom Ripley's style transformation is closely linked to each location he travels through in the film.
Tom’s aesthetic transformation is intriguing. Initially, he struggles to fit into the realm of the wealthy, making missteps along the way, such as bringing a “disastrous” coat from New York as a gift for Dickie. However, as he becomes more integrated into Dickie’s lifestyle, his style shifts smoothly, mirroring his criminal evolution.
Every shot in the film is crafted to be visually stunning, resembling curated Pinterest boards.
om’s obsession with material possessions - rings, typewriters, cameras, records, glasses, and even ashtrays - is emphasized through meticulous camera work, inviting viewers into his world as if he's presenting his prized collection.
In one memorable scene, Tom shows off his Ferragamo shoes, with camera angles highlighting their allure as if to say, "Look, we’re matching today - let's take a picture."
Art references are abundant, particularly the works of Italian painter Caravaggio, with whom Tom shares a dark connection through crime. The film’s exploration of art leads to humorous moments as characters gaze at Dickie’s paintings, suppressing comments about their questionable quality. It's amusing how Dickie's wealth cannot buy him genuine talent.
I can't help but wait for someone to bluntly state that Dickie’s paintings are as terrible as his misguided artistic aspirations...
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