Ridley Scott has left an indelible mark on modern cinema, shaping everything from sci-fi classics to epic historical dramas. With films like “Blade Runner,” “Gladiator,” and “Black Hawk Down,” his vision has influenced generations of filmmakers and set new standards for storytelling and visual style. Few directors have managed to balance blockbuster spectacle with thoughtful, enduring narratives the way Scott has.
Over his decades-long career, Scott has watched the industry change dramatically, and he has grown increasingly frustrated with the quality of many modern films. The current flood of releases often leaves him longing for the creativity and craft of his earlier work, so much so that he’s been revisiting his own classic movies for inspiration and perspective.
Ridley Scott Slams Today’s Films as “Mostly S**t” and Finds Solace in His Classics
During an interview reflecting on his career at BFI Southbank in London on Sunday, Ridley Scott shared his unfiltered thoughts on the state of modern filmmaking. His remarks were reported by Metro and Yahoo!, with Deadline also highlighting his comments.
Source: Phillip Faraone/Getty Images for Paramount Pictures
Scott didn’t hold back when discussing the sheer number of films being crafted at the moment. “The quantity of movies that are made today, literally globally – millions. Not thousands, millions… and most of it is s**t,” he said, arguing that too many flicks rely on digital effects to compensate for weak storytelling on the page.
When asked about a comfort movie, Scott admitted he has increasingly turned to his own work. Revisiting his classics has become a way to find inspiration and reassurance. “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,” he said.
Scott specifically reflected on “Black Hawk Down,” marveling at the scale and precision of the picture. “I watched Black Hawk the other night and I thought, ‘How in the hell did I manage to do that?’” he said. He added that while exceptional movies are rare these days, seeing a genuinely good one still offers a sense of relief. “Occasionally a good one will happen, [and] it’s like a relief that there’s somebody out there who’s doing a good movie,” he explained, highlighting why revisiting his own work has been such a satisfying experience
