- Legendary director Ridley Scott slams the modern film industry, calling most new movies “shit.”
- He argues that filmmakers are relying on digital effects to save weak scripts, leading to a state of “drowning in mediocrity.”
- Instead of watching new films, Scott admits to rewatching his own classics like “Black Hawk Down,” claiming they “don’t age.”
- Despite his criticism, Scott confirms he isn’t retiring and has already started writing a third “Gladiator” film.
Hollywood Under Fire from a Legend
Director Ridley Scott has launched a scathing attack on the current state of the film industry, declaring that the vast majority of modern movies are “shit.” Speaking at the British Film Institute, the Oscar-nominated filmmaker behind classics like “Alien” and “Gladiator” did not mince words about the creative crisis he believes is plaguing Hollywood.
“The quantity of movies that are made today, literally globally — millions… and most of it is shit,” Scott stated bluntly. He argued that the industry’s focus has shifted from quality storytelling to technological shortcuts.
“Drowning in Mediocrity”
Scott claims the core problem lies in weak screenplays. “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,” he explained. “Get it on paper!”
This decline in quality has led Scott to an unusual habit for his “comfort” viewing. When asked what he revisits, he confessed his disappointment with current offerings. “Right now, I’m finding mediocrity — we’re drowning in mediocrity,” he 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.”
The Future for Scott
Despite his bleak outlook, the 87-year-old director has no plans to retire, calling it “impossible.” He has completed his next film, “The Dog Stars,” starring Jacob Elordi, and is already developing a third “Gladiator” movie, confirming that Paul Mescal’s character “technically is the Emperor of Rome.”
