When was the last time you watched an adaptation of a novel or a favorite childhood TV show and thought this new show was so much better than the original? We're guessing that's a rarity. Recently, two of his films, which are early 2000s action films reinterpreted as television series, have been released. Both series took well-known film premises and extended the ideas into new and, I would argue, better works.
For someone like me who prefers watching her entertainment on the big screen, it takes a lot of time to lure her home. When she heard that Donald Glover was directing a series based on the 2005 film Mr. & Mrs. Smith, she was intrigued. The film is primarily known for bringing together superstars Brad Pitt and Angelina Jolie. Despite destroying someone else's marriage and causing a huge media firestorm, the resulting movie was only mildly funny.
Donald Glover is a multi-hyphenated Renaissance man. He started his career as a comedy writer and landed a plum role at the age of 23. Glover wrote the script for his television series “30 Rock.'' He has done a lot of television work and has appeared on 'Atlanta'. He has achieved success in his music career as Childish Gambino. He and Francesca Sloan co-starred in the “Mr. & Mrs. Smith'' series. Glover directed the final episode of the first season.
The Prime Video series takes the basic premise from the 2005 film of married spies hired to assassinate each other. Grover and Sloan expanded that world. We watch two lonely men use their moral flexibility and training in arms to sign away from their lives to join a potentially wealthy organization. I'll watch over you. Glover and Maya Erskine are the perfect cast.
The first few episodes are the most intense as we get to know these two emotionally distant young professionals as they try to adjust to their partnership. There's some hilarious dialogue, some inventive missions, and shifting loyalties. The international setting adds charm, but the exploration of what it's like to leave your life behind and become a professional hitman resonates.
In the movie, the action is mostly confined to the couple's home, and they destroy it while trying to kill each other. In this series, a couple meets other spies, travels around the world, and then destroys a luxurious New York apartment. Eventually, they realize that while their relationship may have been manipulated, their shared feelings may be the only reality they can trust.
The series is smart and sexy, and the series is coming back for a second season…but it won't star Glover or Erskine.
“The Talented Mr. Ripley'' (1999) won praise for its three leads. Matt Damon plays the title character, while Jude Law and Gwyneth Paltrow play the golden couple that Tom Ripley destroys. The film features sun-dappled Italy, where the luxurious surroundings and beautiful people contrast with Ripley's empty soul. The new Netflix series “Ripley” contrasts the emotional void of Ripley's character with its stark black-and-white imagery.
A director who has won numerous awards, Steven Zaillianis a new adaptation of Patricia Highsmith's 1955 novel. He leans into the noir side of cinematography, using a more expansive format to delve into the psychological underpinnings of the story. The talented Andrew Scott subtly plays the damaged Ripley. Dakota Fanning and Johnny Flynn (British actors and singers) are lovers Marge and Dickie.
This series gives actors more time to develop their characters. There's even more depth.
As you get to know these characters and understand their motivations, the tragedy and betrayal becomes even more poignant. The production design and soundtrack are top notch. This “Ripley” is haunting…it's not the beautiful Italy you remember, it's the look on Andrew Scott's face when he realizes the trap Ripley has created for himself.
Rating for drinks with movies:
“Mr. & Mrs. Smith”: 3 vials of truth-telling serum shared between spies (of 5)
“Ripley”: Three glasses of expensive Italian wine while pretending to be someone else (out of 5)