Fresh Air: Andrew Scott Doesn't See Ripley As A Monster

Episode Release Date: February 21, 2025

In this engaging episode of NPR's Fresh Air, host Terry Gross sits down with acclaimed actor Andrew Scott to delve into his multifaceted career, focusing particularly on his portrayal of Tom Ripley in the highly anticipated 2024 Netflix series Ripley. Scott's nuanced performances across various roles—from the enigmatic Moriarty in Sherlock to the conflicted priest in Fleabag—illustrate his exceptional range and depth as an actor.

Exploring Tom Ripley in Netflix’s Ripley

Andrew Scott discusses his approach to embodying Tom Ripley, the morally ambiguous protagonist based on Patricia Highsmith's novel. Rather than labeling Ripley with terms like "sociopath" or "opportunist," Scott emphasizes understanding the character in stages to portray him authentically.

Andrew Scott [04:12]: "I did a little. I found all the words like sociopath and psychopath and monster, evil, villain, all those things sort of largely unhelpful. And really I just kind of thought about the character in stages."

Scott highlights the unique opportunity the Netflix adaptation presents by dedicating extensive screen time to Ripley, allowing for a deeper exploration of his complexities. He reflects on the series' stunning black-and-white cinematography, praising director Steve Zaillian's meticulous attention to lighting and composition, which enhances the show's mysterious and intense atmosphere.

Andrew Scott [10:48]: "Absolutely did, yeah. Yeah, it did, yeah."

Revisiting Fleabag and Personal Reflections

The conversation shifts to Scott's memorable role as the hot priest in the second season of Fleabag. He describes the character as someone torn between his religious vows and his genuine feelings for the titular character, portrayed by Phoebe Waller-Bridge. Scott reveals how his upbringing in a Catholic environment in Dublin, combined with witnessing the church's scandals, informed his portrayal of the priest.

Andrew Scott [15:43]: "The silence around the abstinence and the way that people in position of power, silence. People who want to be able to talk about that."

Scott speaks candidly about the challenges of portraying a character who grapples with faith and desire, emphasizing the importance of depicting vulnerability and humanity rather than adhering to stereotypes.

Personal Loss and All of Us Strangers

Scott opens up about his recent personal loss, sharing that his mother passed away just three weeks prior to the interview. He connects this experience to his role in All of Us Strangers, where he plays a screenwriter navigating complex relationships and personal grief.

Andrew Scott [22:47]: "My mother died three weeks ago."

Terry Gross [22:50]: "Oh no. I'm so sorry."

Andrew Scott [22:51]: "I'm okay now. As we're speaking. I'm okay."

Despite the emotional weight of his loss, Scott expresses gratitude, feeling that there were no significant unsaid words between him and his mother.

Andrew Scott [23:20]: "I feel very lucky that I feel that there was nothing that I needed to say to my mum or I feel there was nothing that she needed to say to me that was left unsaid."

Portraying Moriarty in Sherlock

Scott reflects on his acclaimed portrayal of Professor James Moriarty in the BBC series Sherlock. He describes the audition process as both fun and challenging, aiming to subvert traditional villain tropes with his boyish appearance and sinister undertones.

Andrew Scott [28:42]: "I took great pleasure in frightening them. And I knew in the audition that they were amused, but also that they were scared."

His approach to Moriarty involved accessing his own emotions to convey fear and unpredictability, making the character both menacing and intriguing.

Delving into Hamlet and Shakespearean Influence

The discussion briefly touches on Scott's work in Shakespearean theatre, particularly his portrayal of Hamlet. He emphasizes the importance of making Shakespeare accessible and relatable, focusing on the character's genuine emotional struggles rather than the play's famed poetic language.

Andrew Scott [32:26]: "That speech wasn't written to be famous. It was just written to be authentic. And this is somebody who's thinking, am I gonna do this or am I not gonna do this?"

Scott advocates for a performance style that prioritizes authenticity and emotional truth, allowing modern audiences to connect with Hamlet's timeless dilemmas.

Navigating Fame and Personal Identity

Towards the end of the interview, Scott humorously addresses the challenges of being a recognizable actor. Despite his transformative roles, he often remains unrecognizable in everyday settings, allowing him to navigate the world without constant public scrutiny.

Terry Gross [35:57]: "Can you pass unrecognized on the street?"

Andrew Scott [36:05]: "It depends. I'm very lucky. I can walk the streets pretty, pretty easily, you know."

Conclusion

Andrew Scott's interview on Fresh Air offers a profound insight into his artistic process and the personal experiences that shape his compelling performances. From dissecting the psyche of Tom Ripley to reflecting on his own life challenges, Scott demonstrates a dedication to authenticity and emotional depth that resonates deeply with audiences.

Note: The timestamps correspond to specific segments within the provided transcript, ensuring accurate attribution of notable quotes and discussions.