At a recent British Film Institute event, acclaimed director Ridley Scott voiced strong criticism about the current film industry, describing most modern movies as subpar. Addressing the audience alongside his son Luke Scott, he emphasized his frustration with the overwhelming quantity yet low quality of global film production today.
The quantity of movies that are made today, literally globally — millions. Not thousands, millions … and most of it is shit,
he asserted.
The Role of Digital Effects Versus Script Quality
Scott further attributed the increasing use of expensive digital effects in films to the lack of strong storytelling. He argued that many movies depend heavily on visuals because their scripts fail to impress on paper.
I think a lot of films today are saved and made more expensive by digital effects, because what they haven’t got is a great thing on paper first,
Scott explained.
Get it on paper!
Struggling with the Current Film Landscape
During the same talk, when asked about any comfort films he revisits, Scott admitted he has been disappointed with contemporary cinema, describing it as mired in mediocrity. To find some solace, he revealed he has started watching his own films, which remain satisfying even after many years.
Well, actually, right now, I’m finding mediocrity — we’re drowning in mediocrity,
Scott said.
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.
He mentioned rewatching his 2001 war film Black Hawk Down recently and marveled at his accomplishment.
How in the hell did I manage to do that?
Hope for Exceptional Films Amidst Disappointment
Despite his overall skepticism about current releases, Scott acknowledged that occasionally a standout film emerges, providing a rare relief and confirming that good work still happens in the industry.
I think occasionally a good one will happen, [and] it’s like a relief that there’s somebody out there who’s doing a good movie.
Ongoing Projects and Reflections on the Gladiator Series
Ridley Scott confirmed that retirement is not on his agenda. He has finished production on The Dog Stars, a post-apocalyptic science-fiction film starring Jacob Elordi, and is actively working on a third installment of the Gladiator franchise.
Reflecting on Paul Mescal’s role as the Emperor of Rome in Gladiator II, Scott expressed confidence in shaping the character’s future while keeping plot details confidential.
He’s around and he technically is the Emperor of Rome
Scott said of Mescal’s character.
and so I have a footprint about what I think it should be.
I’m not going to tell you in case you steal it!
The Significance of Scott’s Critique for Modern Filmmaking
Ridley Scott’s candid remarks highlight a growing concern about the dominance of quantity over quality in today’s film industry. His emphasis on solid storytelling as a foundation for filmmaking underscores the challenge that digital effects cannot replace meaningful narratives. As he continues to create and expand his own franchises, his viewpoints may inspire both audiences and filmmakers to re-evaluate how movies are crafted amid a sea of content.
