Ripley – A Monochrome Drama You Must Watch
Ripley - A Monochrome Drama You Must Watch
Diary
Ripley – A Monochrome Drama You Must Watch
“Ripley,” a black and white thriller series on Netflix, appeared on my home screen. Today marked my third time rewatching the show. I’m not sure what else tops the list, aside from famous Stanley Kubrick or Quentin Tarantino movies, or even “Band of Brothers,” which my wife and I enjoyed so much.
Speaking of monochrome movies, I enjoyed “The Lighthouse,” starring Willem Dafoe and Robert Pattinson. Another classic is “Schindler’s List.” “Poor Things” (2023), featuring Emma Stone, deeply intrigued me with its cinematic lighting and lens choices.
Let me be frank; I wasn’t interested in watching this Ripley show at first—maybe I was bombarded with too many Netflix shows, and it showed signs of decreasing quality. There was a lack of content or aesthetic sense that drew my attention. Well, I guess everyone picks something random during dinner time or a lunch break. So did I. I chose to watch Ripley, and it became one of my favourites of all time. I’m going to explain a bit about why it’s so different and what we can learn from this series.
“I never saw it as some sunny, colourful postcard of a story but rather as the foreboding suspense story that it is,” he told Netflix. “It takes place in the winter of 1960 and, like many of Highsmith’s stories, has a film noir quality to it. Black-and-white can be striking in a way color can’t be, and I’m grateful Netflix agreed.”
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Why Black and White?
Is black and white photography a must? Not everyone finds it appealing. However, I am speaking from the perspective of a dedicated black and white photography enthusiast. We live in a technologically dominated world where photographs and videos are ubiquitous, yet what we truly perceive is minimal. The texture and the objects, such as ashtrays, hotel concierge papers, record players, and even the outfits people wear, convey important messages. These elements help us understand the lifestyle in Italy back then. The choice of black and white is crucial for several reasons:
- Focus: Black and white helps eliminate unnecessary elements.
- Emotion and Expression: It’s easier to bring out the emotion and expression in subjects.
- Visual Memory: Repeating patterns and tangible objects create memorable visuals.
- Scene Dynamics: It highlights changes in the scene, enhancing the narrative.
- Contrast and Attention: Black and white create contrast and dynamics that draw the viewer’s attention.
This explains why I choose to shoot with my M10 Monochrom and love using different colour filters to enhance contrast through light and shadow, thereby telling the story I intend. It simplifies the process, allowing me to focus on just one or two elements when capturing images. Colour can be distracting; in a bustling city like Hong Kong, numerous unattractive elements make isolation difficult in my photos.
Ripley: The Netflix Series
This neo-noir series, created, directed, produced, and written by Steven Zaillian—who also penned “Schindler’s List” (1993)—is based on Patricia Highsmith’s 1955 crime novel “The Talented Mr. Ripley.” The eight-episode limited series debuted on April 4, 2024. It stars Andrew Scott as Tom Ripley, Dakota Fanning as Marge Sherwood, and Johnny Flynn as Dickie Greenleaf. Tom is hired by Dickie’s father to locate him in Italy, setting off a series of events. I won’t provide an in-depth discussion on the plot; instead, I’ll focus on the cinematography.
The Black and White Palette
The series creatively uses frames within frames, such as windows and doorways, boxing Tom into various visual confines. “This show is so much about light and dark, contrasts, and the underbelly—what’s going on beneath the surface,” said Robert Elswitt, the cinematographer of Ripley. Viewers can appreciate the full spectrum of greys throughout the series, from scenes with high contrast to those driven by negative space. There’s a diverse use of perspectives, including tight shots that capture Ripley’s tension in a taxi and scenes with harsh lighting when he’s in a hurry. Each setting is crafted perfectly, elevating the series to the level of an art piece. While it might be overkill for casual moviegoers, photography enthusiasts will find it endlessly fascinating.
“He loved the idea of shooting in black-and-white and brought to that seemingly simpler palette a depth to the photography that’s more evocative than colour,”
Harsh Light
Using harsh light can significantly increase contrast, making the subject stand out prominently. Employing a wide lens, like a 21mm, can take the perspective to another level, emphasising the dramatic effect.
Shallow Depth of Field
The cinematographer skillfully utilises a lot of shallow depth of field (DOF) in scenes to focus on the character’s facial expressions. This technique is used to highlight the subtle shifts in their internal thoughts, drawing the viewer deeper into the narrative.
Textures and Objects
“Ripley” excels in its use of textures and objects, making it one of the most visually rich films I’ve seen. Details like window reflections, marble balconies, the quality of Dickie and Tom’s shirts and suits, the pen held by the detective, and the cigarettes smoked add layers of depth and authenticity to the visual storytelling.
Composition
The composition in “Ripley” is particularly impressive. Filmed during the pandemic in 2021, the production took advantage of the emptier scenes, using them to masterfully compose shots that utilise the full scope of the settings.
Architectural Elements
Great use of guiding lines and geometry, featuring inspiring angles that enhance the visual narrative.
Negative Space
The use of negative space in the film should not be underestimated. It’s effectively employed in scenes such as Tom looking out of a window, sitting on a boat, or viewing art pieces. One of my personal favourites is the scene where detectives are searching for him, with the architecture appearing particularly striking in black and white.
These cinematographic choices contribute significantly to the film’s atmospheric tension and visual storytelling, making “Ripley” a standout piece in modern cinema.
Final Thoughts
Linus, the owner of Bad Coffee and Liquor Club, not only has a refined taste in music but also a keen interest in movies. During our discussion about the “Ripley” series, I learned from him that this isn’t the first adaptation of the character; Matt Damon starred in “The Talented Mr. Ripley” back in 1999. Linus prefers that earlier movie to the current series. Although I haven’t seen the 1999 film yet, I plan to watch it soon. Despite this, I still highly recommend the new “Ripley” series to everyone.
The series is meticulously crafted, with its composition, use of light, and selection of physical objects all contributing to a visually compelling narrative. The score, sound design, and pacing are exceptional, setting a high standard for cinematic quality. Watching just a few episodes can greatly inspire and influence your approach to photography, enhancing your awareness of visual storytelling and composition. Whether you’re a photography enthusiast or a cinema buff, the new “Ripley” series offers a rich tapestry of cinematic techniques that are worth exploring.
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A great breakdown of the visual craft in Ripley, thank you.
Thanks Linden!