Andrew Scott, an acclaimed actor nominated for a SAG Award for his role in Netflix's 'Ripley,' dives deep into the psyche of his character, a morally ambiguous con artist. He stresses the importance of humanizing Tom Ripley, noting the need to advocate for flawed characters. The discussion also touches on the power of silence in storytelling, reflecting on how non-verbal cues can reveal profound emotions. Scott further explores themes of identity, faith, and the complex relationships that bind us, making for a thought-provoking conversation.
Andrew Scott emphasizes the importance of humanizing complex characters like Tom Ripley, avoiding conventional judgments and stereotypes associated with sociopathy.
Scott draws parallels between his roles in Ripley and Fleabag, highlighting themes of self-identity, societal expectations, and the quest for belonging.
Deep dives
Andrew Scott's Career Highlights
Andrew Scott gained widespread recognition for his role as the 'hot priest' in the British comedy series Fleabag, where he portrayed a clergyman torn between his vow of celibacy and his attraction to Fleabag. Before this breakout role, he received critical acclaim for his portrayal of Moriarty in the series Sherlock, which featured Benedict Cumberbatch as Sherlock Holmes. Beyond television, Scott has a rich background in theatre, having performed in esteemed productions of Shakespeare and Chekhov in the U.K. His recent nomination for a Screen Actors Guild Award highlights his impactful performance in the Netflix series Ripley, based on Patricia Highsmith’s novel, showcasing his continued evolution as an actor.
Playing Tom Ripley
In the Netflix adaptation of Ripley, Andrew Scott embodies the character of Tom Ripley, a con artist who slips into the identity of another man. Ripley begins in a dire financial situation until a wealthy father mistakes him for his son, leading to a trip to Italy with ulterior motives. As Ripley becomes enamored with the luxurious lifestyle of his supposed friend, he plots to steal his identity and life for himself. Scott expresses the challenge of portraying a character like Ripley without falling into stereotypes associated with sociopathic behavior, focusing instead on understanding Ripley's complex motivations.
The Internal Struggles of Tom Ripley
Scott explores the theme of self-identity and secrecy prevalent in Patrician Highsmith's narrative, emphasizing how Ripley is not just a traditional villain but a character grappling with his own hidden truths and desires. He notes that while Ripley engages in morally questionable actions, his journey reflects a deeper quest for belonging and acceptance in a world that has denied him access to beauty and privilege. Scott connects Ripley's fluidity in identity to broader discussions about societal pressures and the various masks individuals wear. The interplay between ambition and envy emerges as key elements of Ripley's character, as he navigates the elite world he covets.
Exploring Themes in Fleabag and Ripley
In discussing his role in Fleabag, Scott highlights the significance of portraying complex emotional struggles within the framework of humor and faith. He relates his character's internal conflict to broader issues of societal expectations, questioning how individuals reconcile their desires with imposed norms, particularly within the context of Catholicism. This reflection parallels Ripley's struggles with identity and acceptance, revealing Scott's ability to portray deeply human characters caught between duty and personal longing. Through both roles, he illustrates the nuanced representation of characters who confront their truths in a world filled with judgment and hypocrisy.
In the series Ripley, Andrew Scott plays a con artist with no conscience. The actor says it was important to humanize his character. "For me, I think your first job is to sort of advocate for the character and try not to judge them." Scott's up for a SAG Award for his portrayal of Tom Ripley.
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