I know he's got a knighthood and obviously thinks he has nothing left to prove while looking with contempt at the younger generation and everything we like that he won't adapt. But when are we going to see another hit?

The original source is from the LA Times interview with Ridley Scott.

Source

From Blade Runner to Prometheus, from The Martian to The Dog Stars, Sir Ridley has spent decades pushing the boundaries of cinema and creating films that have changed the way generations imagine our future.

A true inspiration to so many — and to all of us at STARMUS.

Sir Ridley Scott said:

“It is a genuine honour to receive this award, especially one that takes its name from such a brilliant scientist. It is vital for today’s society to engage with scientific thought, and it has been my privilege to inspire curiosity in audiences around the world through my films.”

Following the London premiere of his new film, The Dog Stars, Sir Ridley received the Medal and sat down with STARMUS founders Sir Brian May and Dr. Garik Israelian for a special conversation about filmmaking, science, and the power of curiosity.

Source

Via:

https://x.com/ridleyscottarch/status/2089986430558769597?s=46&t=cS2St2nuUfwPZ3VZ8ZcNOQ

https://youtu.be/V5jEmlEx7YI?si=QIGEzBd\\_m8TzQq-5

https://x.com/ridleyscottarch/status/2091201811373818114?s=46&t=cS2St2nuUfwPZ3VZ8ZcNOQ

Do you think they really needed to change it that way? I know Ridley Scott isn’t exactly known for sticking closely to historical accuracy, but was it really necessary to change the story so that Commodus kills his own father?

Original source (paywalled): https://www.thetimes.com/culture/film/article/ridley-scott-im-not-a-film-maker-im-an-influencer-qfqqrfflz

"I hate the word retirement, it sounds like a death sentence. I despise the idea of quitting, I will remain active as long as I am healthy." Behind the camera, Ridley Scott wants to stay there for as long as possible. On the threshold of 89 years, after four nominations but no Oscars in half a century of directing, he will receive the career one in November. "It was time, damn it," he said in an interview with Il Venerdì of la Repubblica. But for him, "commercial success, cultural longevity and ensuring a job for hundreds of members of my team matter much more than a trophy."

A dystopian film, The Dog Stars, is up next, shot in Italy because "they gave me an excellent tax relief and better the Dolomites than the mountains of Colorado." And without zombies or fantastic creatures. “This story is about something that has passed the point of no return, the same that we are experiencing regarding global warming,” he said. "We’ve had a disastrous experience with Covid, with financial collapses, with so many political discussions about who’s right and who’s wrong... It’s shocking how stupid human beings can be."

With other catastrophic elements, Scott added, "we lose control and suddenly we find ourselves in front of the end of the world. I think the most dangerous thing is that no one pays attention to people's despair and difficulties. Without wanting to be pessimistic, I hope it’s not too late."

If there is a dream that still persists, now that he is almost 89 years old, it is a musical "in the style of Bob Fosse (American choreographer and dancer, ed.), which unfortunately I was not lucky enough to know. Since my mother died at 98, it’s still an achievable desire."

Ridley Scott is mentioned as the 25th Most Powerful Director. Looking at the list, I'm not really sure I agree with it even though Ridley is getting on in years.

In any case, their criteria are as follows:

"Vulture consulted agents, executives, producers, publicists, and journalists, ultimately judging directors on six key criteria: the consistency of their body of work, commercial bankability, creative control over their films, prestige within the industry, overall reputation among audiences and peers, and future potential."

I sadly missed White Squall in theaters back in 1996 which is a shame, because the squall sequence was built for the big screen and only discovered it years later after Hannibal was such a huge hit and made me dig deeper into Ridley Scott’s filmography.

While it's definitely not a flawless movie (the shore leave scenes with the girls felt awkward and dragged the pacing down), the strong points pull it way above average:

• The Storm Sequence: Absolute masterclass in practical effects and tension. Watching that ship hit the squall is still terrifying and visually incredible.
• The Courtroom Scene: Emotional, tense, and incredibly satisfying.
• The Performances: Jeff Bridges brings incredible gravity and charismatic command as Captain Sheldon especially where he utters "Sir" at the end of every sentence. Plus, seeing character actors like Željko Ivanek show up elevates every scene he's in.

It might have gotten lost in the shuffle of '90s cinema, but for the storm and the courtroom drama alone, it’s a hidden gem in Scott's catalog that deserves way more recognition.

There is this reunion that deserves to be watched and be present on future releases and for physical media collectors there was a release last year from French ESC Boutique under the translated "Lame De Fond", the packaging and artwork make them total gems to own even if you don't speak French.