Could Have Been Better with Better Casting Watched first 2 episodes of Ripley on Netflix. I was first impressed by the pristine black n white cinematography and production design depicting NYC in the '60s. At the end of episode 2, I lost interest.
Talented Mr. Ripley written by Patricia Highsmith was published in the mid '50s.
The book was first made by Rene Clement into Purple Noon starring Alain Delon and Maurice Ronet which remains a classic.
Theatre 2nd adaptation was by Anthony Minghella in 1999 staring Matt Damon as Ripley and Jude Law as Dickie Greenleaf.
It was well made and entertaining.
Ripley the new mini series was created, written and directed by the prolific film/TV series writer/director Steven Zaillian.
Theatre reviews are mixed. Some complained its 'glacial' plot development.
It is possible that the book might not have enough content to fill an 8 episode mini series.
That being said, the problem with this Ripley is the casting. Firstly, both actors for Ripley and Dickie are too old for their roles. They supposed to be in the mid-20's while Andrew Scott and Johnny Flynn are weathered looking in their mid to late 30's.
As Ripley, Andrew Scott is a good actor who first appeared as Moriaty in Sherlock the TV series, but he lacks dual charisma as the innocent looking Ripley but a cold, cunning psychopath in reality. Johnny Flynn the British actor looks nothing like a care free rich boy who supposed to be the idol of Ripley for his wealth and sex appeal. The actor has a bit speech impediment, bloated face and looking much uncomfortable in his role. Dakota Fanning as Dickie friend Marge who's supposed to have an on n off again relationship with Dickie also looked ill fitting and too old.
Talented Mr. Ripley the book has a major flaw. After the demise of Dickie, Ripley went around Italy impersonating Dickie and siphoning off his money. He might get by in Italy in the early '50s but readers might wonder unless these 2 characters have resemblance. Maybe that's why Hitchcock filmed Stranger on the Train instead.
Another oddity of Ripley is the casting of a woman Eliot Sumner as Freddie Miles who was played by Philip Seymour Hoffman in the earlier version. This time Ripley dragged his feet down the stairs with his head banging on the steps. I don't remember how Matt Damon did in The Talented Mr. Ripley.
The series was filmed in beautiful locales in the isle of Capri standing in for Atrani.