Steven Zaillian on Creating the World of ‘Ripley.’ Plus, More ‘Shogun’ and ‘Yellowstone’ News.
May 20, 2024
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Steven Zaillian, creator of 'Ripley,' discusses working with actors like Andrew Scott, Kenneth Lonergan, and John Malkovich. The hosts also talk about 'Yellowstone' starting final season production and 'Shogun' returning for two more seasons.
Ripley's visual style captures a stark, empty ambiance reminiscent of mid-20th century Italy, adding a spectral post-World War II presence.
Characters in Ripley are depicted with notable flaws reinforcing themes of deception and fraudulence, creating depth and moral ambiguity.
Andrew Scott's portrayal of Ripley showcases meticulous, realistic sociopathic methods, humanizing the character amidst deceptive actions and schemes.
Deep dives
The Visual Style and Palette of Ripley
The visual style of Ripley, captured by the cinematography and production design, embodies a stark, empty ambiance, reminiscent of mid-20th century Italy. The choice of an off-season setting adds a spectral presence that aligns with the post-World War II era. The desolate landscapes and architectural emptiness evoke a sense of unease and isolation, contributing to the sinister undertones of the story.
Character Complexity and Flaws in Ripley
Ripley presents a cast of characters who are depicted with notable flaws and imperfections, reinforcing the theme of deception and fraudulence. Characters like Dickey, Marge, and Ravinie are portrayed as hollow in their pursuits: Dickey as a subpar painter, Marge as a manipulative opportunist, and Ravinie's vanity hindering his judgment. The series delves into the humanity and flaws of each character, creating a sense of depth and moral ambiguity.
Andrew Scott's Portrayal of Ripley
Andrew Scott's portrayal of Ripley embodies a meticulous and methodical approach to his actions, contrasting traditional depictions of sociopathic characters. Scott infuses Ripley with a sense of realism by showcasing his calculated decision-making process and occasional errors. The character's slow and deliberate manner of navigating his crimes, stopping to contemplate each step, reflects a realism that humanizes him amidst his deceptive actions and schemes.
The Narrative Structure of Ripley
Ripley's episodic structure, akin to standalone chapters, blends the quality of a TV series with the narrative coherence of a film. Each episode functions as a distinct unit with a clear beginning, middle, and end, while contributing to the overarching storyline. The seamless continuity and visual consistency of the series create a cinematic experience within a serialized format, integrating character development and plot progression effectively.
The Intriguing Introduction of John Malkovich's Character
John Malkovich's unexpected and brief appearance as Herbert in the series provides a pivotal moment of recognition and intrigue. Herbert's interaction with Tom Ripley offers a glimpse of a future possibility where Tom meets someone akin to himself. Malkovich's cameo injects a new dynamic into the series, hinting at potential directions for future storylines and character developments, opening up opportunities for further exploration of Tom Ripley's narrative saga.
Chris and Andy talk about the news that ‘Yellowstone’ has started production on the last episodes of it’s final season (1:00), and news that ‘Shogun’ will actually be coming back for two more seasons (9:54). Then they are joined by ‘Ripley’ creator Steven Zaillian to talk about what drew him to make another adaptation of the Patricia Highsmith novel (21:08), and working with actors like Andrew Scott, Kenneth Lonergan, and John Malkovich on the show (38:14).
