Jude Law got “emotional” watching the Netflix reboot of his ‘The Talented Mr Ripley’ film.
The 51-year-old actor played cad heir Dickie Greenleaf in the late Anthony Minghella’s 1999 movie of Patricia Highsmith’s novel about psychopathic con-man Tim Ripley, and said he has been hooked on the streamer’s remake of the film, which stars Andrew Scott, 47, as Ripley.
Jude told Entertainment Tonight: “I’ve watched at least five or six of (the new episodes.)
“Like any great source material, it’s really rewarding and interesting to watch something from a new perspective, a new angle.”
Director Steven Zaillian has produced a black-and-white version of the Ripley story, which featured Gwyneth Paltrow, 51, and Matt Damon, 53, as Ripley in Anthony Minghella’s take on the story.
Jude added about how it was “very interesting” to see how the two versions connect and differ: “I’m enjoying it. How can one not? It’s such great material.
“You’re in great hands with wonderful actors, and it’s such an interesting character.”
Jude said both versions “reflect the director in many ways”, adding Anthony’s was “visual, colourful and romantic” while Steve’s is “quite forensic and more sinister”.
He said: “Film, to me, often reflects the person at the helm of the camera.”
Jude also admitted he hasn’t seen ‘The Talented Mr Ripley’ in “many, many years”, but said seeing the new versions had reminded him of fond memories from making the 1999 version.
He added: “It was funny how many of the scenes are similar and kicked up so many memories in my mind. And how well I knew it.
“I kept thinking, ‘Oh God, I remember this.’ Down to the name of Dickie’s maid, Ermelinda. I always remember saying, ‘Ermelinda, Ermelinda.’
“There was an emotional level, too, to revisiting those characters.”
The series follows murderous Ripley after he is hired by a wealthy businessman to persuade his playboy son Dickie – played by Johnny Flynn, 41, in the Netflix version – to return home to the US from his lazy life Italy.
Ripley then gets so enchanted by Dickie’s decadent lifestyle he starts to go to fatal means to cement his place in his rich and privileged circle.
