Renowned director Ridley Scott has openly expressed frustration with what he sees as Hollywood‘s pervasive mediocrity, pinpointing the industry’s current business model as a key factor. Known for iconic films like Alien and Gladiator, Scott shared his concerns during a recent interview at BFI Southbank in London, highlighting the vast number of movies produced worldwide that fail to meet quality standards. The filmmaker’s criticism centers on the overwhelming quantity of global productions, many of which he considers subpar.
Scott Reflects on the Flood of Low-Quality Films and Finds Solace in His Past Work
During the London event, Scott described the film landscape with a mix of intensity and disappointment. He remarked on the sheer volume of content being created, noting that it amounts to millions of films globally, most of which he called “s**t.” He emphasized that Hollywood is “drowning in mediocrity,” portraying a tense and troubled perspective on the current state of filmmaking.
Asked about which movies provide him comfort amid this mediocrity, Scott humorously revealed that he has resorted to watching his own movies. He said,
“Well, actually, right now, I’m finding mediocrity – we’re drowning in mediocrity. And so what I do – it’s a horrible thing – but I’ve started watching my own movies, and actually they’re pretty good! And also, they don’t age.”
Reflecting on revisiting his film Black Hawk Down, Scott was amazed by his own work, wondering aloud,
“How in the hell did I manage to do that?”
He expressed hope that occasionally a good movie will emerge from the sea of mediocrity, describing it as a “relief” to see quality films being made.
Future Projects and Continued Influence in Film Franchises
Looking ahead, Ridley Scott remains active in filmmaking with several projects in development. He is set to direct upcoming films including The Dog Stars and others, while continuing his role as producer for major franchises such as Alien and Blade Runner, both of which have planned new sequels. Additionally, Gladiator 3 is underway, following the setup provided by Gladiator 2 released earlier in 2024. Despite his critique of Hollywood’s current output, Scott’s ongoing work demonstrates his lasting impact on the industry.
