Ridley Scott Critiques Today’s Cinema: “Mediocrity is Overwhelming”
Ridley Scott Critiques Modern Cinema
Director Ridley Scott is candid about his thoughts on today’s film industry. During a recent discussion at the British Film Institute, the celebrated filmmaker described current Hollywood movies as largely “mediocre.” Frustrated with the state of modern cinema, he’s even found himself rewatching his own iconic films.
Emphasis on Special Effects
In his conversation, Scott, who is known for masterpieces like “Gladiator” and “Alien,” expressed concerns over the film industry’s increasing dependence on visual effects. He believes that the focus on spectacle tends to overshadow the storytelling aspect.
He remarked, “The quantity of movies that are made today, literally globally, millions. Not thousands, millions, and most of it is… not good. Many films today are enhanced by expensive digital effects because they lack a solid foundation on paper. Focus on that first.”
While he acknowledged that the occasional good film emerges, he feels there’s a noticeable drop in quality overall. “We’re drowning in mediocrity,” he stated.
When asked about his personal favorites, Scott admitted that he’s been revisiting his older works, not out of vanity, but due to disappointment with current options. “I’ve started watching my own movies, and honestly, they hold up well!” he commented, reflecting on a recent viewing of “Black Hawk Down” with amazement.
Scott’s Ongoing Projects
Despite his critiques of modern cinema, Scott isn’t stepping back. He recently completed work on “The Dog Stars,” a sci-fi film set in a post-apocalyptic world featuring actor Jacob Elordi. Excitingly, he has also begun drafting a third installment of “Gladiator.”
What are your thoughts on Ridley Scott’s views on modern cinema? Do you agree that storytelling seems to be taking a backseat to special effects?
