When is the Ripley show on Netflix set? The Timeline actually explains why the limited series is fully shown in black and white. Learn more about Emmy nominee Andrew Scott's starring role as the con man in action, Tom Ripley.
Why is Netflix's Ripley Series Set in Black and White? Timeline Explained
Patricia Highsmith wrote five psychological thriller books highlighting The Talented Mr. Ripley, who would always be on the edge of getting caught or getting killed.
The author wrote the novels between 1955 and 1991, with the first book set in early 1960s New York.
Ripley showrunner Steve Zaillian recently explained why he visualized the Netflix limited series in black and white (via Indiewire).
"When Patricia wrote it, if she imagined a movie being made from it back then, it would be in black and white," Zaillian said, "The cover of that book that I had was in black-and-white, so as I was reading it, it was in my mind to be that way."
The showrunner added he "couldn't imagine" the sinister crime taking place in a "beautiful, Italian setting" if it had not been in black and white.
As Andrew Scott himself added in the same interview, the black and white cinematography "marries" the pacing and tone of the show, "allowing us as actors to just be [their characters]."
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What is the Netflix Series About? Is Ripley Based on a True Story?
First off, the character Tom Ripley is a fictional character created in Patricia Highsmith's five-book crime novels. The Netflix limited series will lead eight episodes spotlighting the shenanigans Ripley can pull off his sleeve.
The Ripley series tells the story of how Tom was hired by a wealthy industrialist to travel to Italy, where he must convince Dickie Greenleaf (Johnny Flynn) to come back home.
Little did Ripley know, that this simple trip led him to more complications involving fraud and murder.
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Meanwhile, the limited series Ripley premieres on Netflix on April 4.
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