Fresh Air Andrew Scott Doesn't See Ripley As A Monster
4 snips
Feb 21, 2025 
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.
AI Snips
Chapters
Books
Transcript
Episode notes
Humanizing Characters
- Avoid labeling characters with terms like "sociopath" or "monster".
- Instead, focus on understanding their motivations and advocating for them without judgment.
The Power of Blankness
- Andrew Scott's eyes convey a range of emotions in Ripley, from comical to threatening to blank.
- This blankness invites audience interpretation and avoids spoon-feeding emotional responses.
Hidden Identities
- Tom Ripley hides his identity, mirroring Patricia Highsmith's own experience as a closeted lesbian.
- Scott connects this to societal "murky times" and coded language.
