Renowned filmmaker Ridley Scott voiced his disappointment with the current state of films, expressing a belief that audiences are overwhelmed by mediocre content. During a career retrospective event at BFI Southbank in London on Sunday, Scott offered his perspective on the impact of streaming services on the quality and volume of movies being produced, highlighting concerns about the artistic depth in many recent productions. His remarks centered on the flood of movies lacking substance, underscoring the difficulty of finding truly exceptional films today.
Quality Versus Quantity in Contemporary Cinema
Scott emphasized the massive output of movies today, estimating that millions are made annually but criticized much of it sharply. He stated,
“The quantity of movies that are made today is in the millions,”
and added bluntly that “most of it is s‑‑‑.” According to Scott, only about 10% of films reach a decent standard, and approximately 5% stand out as great. He attributed the rise in expensive digital effects to studios compensating for weak storylines, urging filmmakers to prioritize strong storytelling from the outset.
“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. Get it on paper!”
he insisted.
Finding Comfort in Revisiting His Own Work
When asked about movies he returns to for reassurance, Scott mentioned turning to his own extensive catalog amidst a sea of uninspired offerings.
“Well, actually, right now, we’re drowning in mediocrity, and so what I do — it’s a horrible thing — but I’ve started watching my own movies,”
he revealed. Scott expressed satisfaction with his body of work, noting, “And actually they’re pretty good!” and observing that his films “don’t age.”
Reflection on Black Hawk Down and Hope for the Future
Scott recently rewatched his acclaimed 2001 war film Black Hawk Down and was impressed by his past work, commenting,
“and I thought, ‘How in the hell did I manage to do that?’”
Despite his critique of the present, he remains optimistic about upcoming films, saying,
“I think occasionally a good one will happen,”
and recognizing the importance of creative voices maintaining quality. He added,
“It’s like a relief that there’s somebody out there who’s doing a good movie.”
Upcoming Projects and Continued Legacy
Most recently, Scott has been involved with the 2024 sequel Gladiator II, starring Paul Mescal as the son of Russell Crowe‘s Maximus, who contends with tyrannical twin emperors. With a third Gladiator installment in development, Scott confirmed he is actively “trying to write Gladiator 3.” Other projects on his slate include The Dog Stars, a post-apocalyptic thriller featuring Jacob Elordi, who replaced Mescal in the cast. Additionally, Scott is working on a new Alien movie and the Blade Runner miniseries Blade Runner 2099, promising further contributions to iconic franchises.
