Tom Ripley: The Talented Con-Artist and Killer

In anticipation of the new series, RIPLEY, coming April 4, 2024 to Netflix, we thought we would explore the past iteration of Mr. Thomas Ripley. Saltburn fans have some new Faire to digest!

Tom Ripley, the enigmatic anti-hero created by Patricia Highsmith, has captivated and unnerved audiences for decades. This amoral social climber lies, cheats, and murders his way to luxury and status, yet he remains oddly sympathetic. His ability to manipulate and survive leaves a trail of fascination in his wake.

The Ripley Novels

The Ripley Saga spans five novels by Patricia Highsmith:

The Talented Mr. Ripley (1955): Tom Ripley, a young grifter, is sent to Italy to bring back Dickie Greenleaf, a wealthy playboy. Ripley’s obsession with Dickie’s lifestyle leads to deceit, murder, and a dangerous game of assumed identity.
Ripley Under Ground (1970): Years after Dickie’s death, Ripley enjoys a comfortable life with a wife and an air of respectability. But trouble resurfaces, this time involving art forgery and more murders.
Ripley’s Game (1974): Ripley is dragged into a deadly assignment by a dying man seeking revenge. This time, Ripley’s target is an innocent, forcing him to confront the boundaries of his own ruthlessness.
The Boy Who Followed Ripley (1980): Ripley becomes entangled with a young sociopath, their paths intertwining in an escalating dance of violence.
Ripley Under Water (1991): Ripley’s idyllic life is disrupted when an American couple begins to question the disappearance of a neighbor years earlier.

Movies Featuring Tom Ripley

Ripley’s journey to the big screen has been a captivating one:

Purple Noon (Plein Soleil, 1960): Alain Delon delivers a chillingly charming performance as Ripley in this French film adaptation of The Talented Mr. Ripley.
The American Friend (1977): Wim Wenders directs this loose adaptation of Ripley’s Game. Dennis Hopper portrays Ripley with a cool, detached menace.
The Talented Mr. Ripley (1999): Matt Damon stars in this acclaimed adaptation, which delves deeper into Ripley’s psychology and his complex relationship with Dickie Greenleaf (Jude Law).
Ripley’s Game (2002): John Malkovich embodies Ripley with a suave and calculating demeanor in this adaptation of the third novel.

Beyond Books and Films

Television: The character of Tom Ripley is currently being revived in an upcoming Netflix series titled “Ripley,” starring Andrew Scott. The earlier Studio One TV series featured an adaptation of The Talented Mr. Ripley in 1956.
Radio: The BBC has produced several radio adaptations of the Ripley books, adding another dimension to Ripley’s story.

Why the Enduring Fascination?

Tom Ripley challenges conventional morality. He’s a chameleon, blending into any social circle, and a surprisingly resourceful killer. The tension lies in whether Ripley will outsmart his pursuers and continue to live his opulent, albeit dishonest, life. It’s this thrilling unpredictability and the glimpses into the mind of a charismatic sociopath that continue to make Tom Ripley a subject of endless discussion and analysis.

Let me know if you’d like more information about any of those specific appearances!

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Additionally, 1000s of public and private events at The Smithsonian Portrait Gallery, Wolf Trap, The Argyle Theater, Emelin Theater, Gerold Opera House, 72nd Street Pier, Cherry Point Marine Base, Disney Resorts, Ohio National Guard, Connecticut DCF, First Nights Winchester VA, Binghamton First Night, Haddonfield First Night, Chateau Briand, Babylon Carriage House, retirement homes, numerous libraries, YMCA, JCC, Parks and Recreation, 1000s of k12 schools and summer camps in New York, New Jersey, Connecticut, Rhode Island, Massachusetts, Maine, New Hampshire, Vermont, Pennsylvania, Delaware, Maryland, Virginia, Florida, Ohio, Michigan, Wisconsin, Indiana, Illinois, Wisconsin, Nebraska.Artistic Director, Walt Frasier has 25+ years of professional credits in comedy, Theater and music. He got his big break in TV performing comedy sketches on MTV’s Stankervision, Late Nite with David Letterman, TruTV’s Friends of the People, and most recently on HBO’s Pause with Sam Jay. As an actor, Frasier has appeared on NBC’s Blacklist, CBS’s Blue Bloods, USA’s Royal Pains (Filmed in Puerto Rico), Netflix’s Lilyhammer (filmed in Norway) and NICK’s Naked Brothers Band. In addition to 1000s of live performances around the world, Frasier has also appeared in numerous commercials, industrials, webisodes and reality TV shows. Arthur Avenue regulars may also recognize Walter, if you add a white beard and red suit, as he has been official Little Italy Santa for the past 15 years.

Artistic Director Walt Frasier

With over 30 years of experience in theater, comedy, and television, Walt Frasier is the Artistic Director of Improv Theater LLC, a leading edutainment center known for its high-impact comedy shows and workshops. His extensive career includes performing comedy sketches on MTV’s Stankervision, Late Nite with David Letterman, TruTV’s Friends of the People, and HBO’s Pause with Sam Jay. As an actor, Walt has appeared on NBC’s Blacklist, CBS’s Blue Bloods, USA’s Royal Pains, Netflix’s Lilyhammer, and NICK’s Naked Brothers Band, in addition to numerous commercials, industrials, and live performances worldwide.