Renowned director Ridley Scott, celebrated for crafting cinematic masterpieces like Blade Runner and Alien, recently shared an amusing anecdote about a question he received early in his career. Speaking on the Director’s Cut podcast hosted by Fede Alvarez, Scott reflected on an interaction with an executive who asked why he didn’t make movies about “normal people.”

Scott’s Surprising Response

Recalling the moment, Scott revealed that the question caught him off guard. He shared:

“Somebody at one of the studios said to me, ‘Why don’t you do a film about normal people?’ I went, ‘What the f— does that mean?’ Because no one’s normal unless you’re totally boring, right?”

Scott’s answer underscores his dedication to exploring extraordinary stories, whether fictional or inspired by real events, rather than adhering to conventional narratives.

Early Struggles in Filmmaking

Ridley Scott‘s journey in the film industry began at the age of 38 with his directorial debut, The Duellists. While the film garnered critical acclaim, including a prize at the Cannes Film Festival, its commercial release faced challenges. Scott recounted:

“I was 38 and realized I hadn’t done a movie, so I had enough money to find a writer, pay him, pay for the book, et cetera. And so from that, we got a prize at Cannes, where the first film went. Pretty good. But the studio here made seven prints. So my producer, David Puttnam, said, ‘No, it’s not [normal].’”

Despite the initial hurdles, Scott persisted and went on to direct iconic films, cementing his reputation as one of the most visionary directors in Hollywood.

Blade Runner’s Critical Challenges

While Alien became a beloved classic, Blade Runner initially faced harsh criticism. Scott mentioned how film critic Pauline Kael’s review deeply impacted him:

“She destroyed Blade Runner in four pages. I didn’t even meet her. To me, it almost walked in the column of industrial espionage because you’re destroying a product before it’s out.”

Although the film was not well-received during its initial release, it has since gained a cult following and is now considered one of the greatest science fiction films of all time.

Gladiator II’s Box Office Success

Fast forward to 2024, Ridley Scott continues to dominate the film industry. His latest release, Gladiator II, has become a major box office success, nearing the $2,000 million mark globally. Declared a super hit, the film reinforces Scott’s ability to captivate audiences with his unique storytelling approach.

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Source: Director’s Cut Podcast with Fede Alvarez