Andrew Scott is riding high on the success of Netflix’s “Ripley.” The murderous role showed fans and critics yet another dimension of his acting prowess.
The BBC “Sherlock” star had already amassed millions of fans globally and the new crime drama furthered his reach and reputation. However, Andrew takes offence when someone calls “Ripley” a psychopathic character.
Andrew Scott Makes the best Ripley ever
According to Andrew, there are layers of queerness to his character. Tom Ripley, played by Scott, came alive as a stalker, investigator, lovelorn individual, and more. So, to slot this complex character into a box of “psychopaths” is offensive. “It is impossible to pin down the man,” says Andrew, “and calling him a psychopath is ‘unhelpful’.”
The scamster is longing for love, fighting his inner demons, and has a genuine interest in both Dickie and later on Freddie. Both these characters get killed or disappear, prompting a police investigation as they suspect a murder-suicide. The “Fleabag” actor justifies his statement by saying, “There’s a question around how much he might use the sort of cloak-and-dagger way people talked at that time about homosexuality.”
This new take made the Netflix series more loveable than any other renditions of Ripley until now. Still, Andrew Scott said that he didn’t want to rely on the queerness too much as he prepared for the role. “His traits went hand-in-hand with his attributes, and I didn’t fully want to label too much.” Tom Ripley’s hometown, his childhood, his bond with his parents, and his sexuality are all equally important.
The web series is based on Patricia Highsmith’s famous novel saga, and Matt Damon played the role in 1999’s “The Talented Mr. Ripley.” However, Damon’s film was sort of a corn-fed Hollywood retelling of a mystery thriller. On the other hand, the Irish actor’s interpretation added an unknown sex appeal and a mysterious depth, making it unforgettable.
LGBTQ underpinnings
This Pride month, what Scott had to say became doubly important because he belongs to the LGBTQ community. Tom is a con man who steals Dickie Greenleaf’s identity under his nose, still harbouring sexual feelings toward him.
Critics are especially impressed with Andrew Scott’s delivery in the finale and in one scene where he confesses that Dickie also had feelings for him. Scott portrays it so beautifully and highlights society’s taboo about the queer community in those days. The “Hot Priest” from “Fleabag” has so much to give!
Hence, he is so angry when people label Ripley as just a psychopath. “Sometimes I think having too much of a specific idea reduces the character,” he says. To Andrew Scott, no matter what his role is, “Putting the character at the centre of the story is interesting.” Scott was last seen in “Black Mirror” and “All of Us Strangers” in guest roles.