At the age of 87, Ridley Scott remains a powerful force in the film industry, continuing to shape cinema with new productions such as Napoleon and Gladiator 2. His latest works, including You Should Be Dancing and The Dog Stars, demonstrate that his creative drive has not diminished despite decades in the industry. Ridley Scott filmmaking at 87 is a remarkable example of endurance and skill, inspiring fans and fellow filmmakers alike.
The Secret to Sustained Excellence in Filmmaking
Ridley Scott compares directing to sports, emphasizing the importance of practice and experience. Since his debut with the historical drama The Duellists, Scott has ventured across various genres, particularly science fiction, delivering some of cinema’s most unforgettable moments. Over the years, he has refined his techniques by consistently engaging deeply with his craft, allowing him to maintain a high level of efficiency.
What happens – providing you sustain all your marbles – is that you refine your game,
he told The Guardian when discussing how he remains at the top of his profession.
Scott attributes his speed and precision to careful pre-planning and mental preparation. He described the way he can now manage multiple cameras simultaneously and finish productions much faster than typical schedules.
I can now work eight to eleven cameras. I finished my latest film in 34 days. It would normally be 60. Gladiator was 48; normally, 100. I’ve learned to formulate and predetermine, plan on paper, and storyboard in my head. That’s why it’s so efficient,
he explained.
Drawing Parallels Between Filmmaking and Sports
The director likens his filmmaking journey to his long-term involvement with tennis. Despite recently undergoing knee replacements that ended his tennis playing, Scott believes that the dedication required in sports mirrors the commitment needed in filmmaking.
My game was tennis. I’ve just had my final knee replacement. I did one in 2012 and the other last week. So that’s the end of tennis. But like any game, the more you practise, the better you get. Forty years of tennis, I became quite good. If I hadn’t played tennis, I’d be a 300lb [136kg] couch potato.
This persistence and discipline help explain why Ridley Scott continues to work at a level many would consider extraordinary for someone his age.
Continuing to Shape the Future of Cinema
Ridley Scott’s extensive experience and ongoing dedication to his craft allow him to work with exceptional ease and speed, distinguishing him in today’s competitive landscape. As he advances with projects such as Napoleon and Gladiator 2, the film world watches eagerly to see how his mastery evolves. The director’s ability to balance creative innovation with efficiency ensures that his influence on cinema will endure well into the future.
