Jude Law is taking a nostalgic look back at his breakout role as Dickie Greenleaf in the acclaimed film The Talented Mr. Ripley, reminiscing about the thrill of shooting on location and the chemistry among the cast. “I kind of took it for granted,” Law, 51, shared recently during a conversation with Jurnee Smollett for Us Weekly’s in Conversation series, reflecting on his youthful demeanor at the time. “I was, like, a 25-year-old kid thinking, ‘Oh, this is just what films are like.’” He fondly recalls lounging on yachts and savoring the Italian sun during filming, experiences he now likens to something extraordinary and unique.
Released in 1999 and directed by Anthony Minghella, The Talented Mr. Ripley is based on Patricia Highsmith’s 1955 novel. The film follows Tom Ripley, played by Matt Damon, who is sent to Italy to retrieve the wealthy Dickie Greenleaf—an heir seeking pleasure away from his commanding parents. Law’s memorable portrayal earned him his first Academy Award nomination and garnered the film five Oscar nominations and multiple Golden Globe nods, showing off its blend of psychological drama and luxury.
At the time, the movie was both financially successful, grossing $128 million worldwide, and critically acclaimed. Despite the passing years, Law highlights how the ensemble cast, including Gwyneth Paltrow and Philip Seymour Hoffman, contributed to the film’s charm. Reflecting on this camaraderie, he noted, “It’s been funny now, looking back all these years later, genuinely remembering the youthful energy and optimism… Amazing, amazing actors.”
Law’s time on set provided him with memories he cherishes, particularly during the rehearsals, which he described as fun and energetically collaborative. “We really went for it with rehearsals… It was fun times,” he said, recalling their rehearsal location at the Cinecittà cinemas, famous for its connection to legendary filmmaker Federico Fellini. The film set the tone for Law’s subsequent career, which has continued to flourish with prominent roles.
After The Talented Mr. Ripley, Law sustained his presence through varied projects including films like The Grand Budapest Hotel and Cold Mountain. Recently, he expressed pride in his recent endeavors, stating, “I feel blessed to land projects… I’m really good place with how I approach my work.” His latest project, The Order, showcases him alongside Smollett, playing FBI agents unraveling white supremacist domestic terrorist plots.
“This was a very, very happy experience for me, and felt really fulfilling,” Law explained about his role. The character of Terry Husk reflects themes of moral struggles and social battles, which resonate with Law personally. He observed, “Now’s the time to have those conversations and call people out. And, you know, just be bold.”
While Law has undoubtedly made his mark, he’s also had to navigate the fluctuated appreciation for movie stardom throughout his career. A stark period of backlash came after the autumn of 2004, famously dubbed the “Autumn of Law.” During this three-month stretch, he appeared in six films, with varying degrees of success. The irony of Law’s situation became evident when comedian Chris Rock put him on blast during the 2005 Academy Awards, remarking, “Who is Jude Law? If you want Tom Cruise and all you can get is Jude Law… wait.” Rock’s remarks underscored the distractions of overexposure and how it shifted public perception of Law from rising star to the subject of ridicule.
While some of Law’s projects like Sky Captain and the World of Tomorrow and Alfie found little traction critically or commercially, he eventually pulled back from the limelight. With the exception of occasional studio films like The Holiday and Sherlock Holmes, he withdrew from leading roles. Instead, he embraced diverse characters reflecting greater depth, identifying himself as the “character actor in a leading man’s body.”
Today, he champions numerous roles spanning genres, proving he’s adept with complex characters irrespective of youthful beauty. Commenting on his evolution, Law admits to turning past regrets and experiences—like his role in Alfie, which he now sees as misguided—into lessons for growth. His upcoming projects, like the highly-anticipated Star Wars: Skeleton Crew, continue showcasing how he adapted his craft over time.
Reflecting on his overall career and the misconceptions he faced, Law expressed relief to see audiences’ appreciation return, noting, “The answer to ‘Who is Jude Law?’ has been definitively answered.” This new chapter of his career includes roles challenging identity norms and broader narratives, ensuring his lasting imprint on the cinematic world.
Through continual exploration, Law bridges earlier admiration to newfound recognition, striving to engage discussions about the state of film and the authenticity of storytelling, all the way from his breakout role to his current work.
