Ridley Scott Explains Why He Stopped Reading Reviews After Blade Runner

by

As a gamer who’s spent countless hours immersed in the cinematic universe of Ridley Scott, it’s fascinating to delve into the tales behind his iconic films. His journey from the chilling depths of the Nostromo to the dusty arenas of Rome is nothing short of awe-inspiring. Yet, it wasn’t always roses and glory for this master filmmaker.

Legendary filmmaker Ridley Scott, known for shaping Hollywood with timeless and innovative movies such as Alien, Blade Runner, and Gladiator, has navigated the ups and downs of the industry. His work has redefined sci-fi films and created modern masterpieces. Yet, even with a rich cinematic legacy, Scott was not spared from the harsh critiques that come early in a filmmaker’s career. In a recent interview, as he gears up for Gladiator II, the director of Thelma & Louise candidly shared that the chilly reception to his 1982 masterpiece, Blade Runner, led him to abandon reading reviews altogether.

During an interview with THR, Ridley Scott shared a peek at his planned movie releases for 2024. The acclaimed director also reflected on a transformative experience regarding criticism, which was significantly influenced by the harsh reception of his film Blade Runner in 1982, given by the prominent critic Pauline Kael from The New Yorker. He vividly described the pain it caused:

Those four pages brought about devastation; I’ve never crossed paths with her. Her words left me feeling deeply insulted. I preserved those pages in my office for three decades as a reminder: the only critic who truly matters is you. Since then, I’ve shied away from reading critiques because a positive one can inflate your ego, causing you to lose sight of yourself, and a negative one can be so disheartening it becomes crippling.

Back in the day, it’s tough to imagine now with Blade Runner being hailed as one of the 80s finest films, but when it initially premiered, opinions were divided. The revolutionary visuals, thought-provoking themes, and the gloomy, neon-illuminated setting puzzled many. Critics found it challenging to interpret, while viewers had a hard time forming an opinion.

Today, the movie is recognized as a groundbreaking sci-fi masterpiece, inspiring numerous directors and maintaining a devoted fanbase that remains fervent. Yet, those initial harsh reviews have left an indelible impression on The Martian director, shaping his approach to his work and influencing his decisions regarding engagement—or disengagement—with the critical community.

In a profession spanning four decades, Scott’s robust strategy towards criticism might appear excessive to others, but it’s a sensible way for him to deal. Being an industry pioneer, he’s seen how public opinion can make or break careers. By setting personal limits, the director of “Napoleon” maintains his creative drive undisturbed by the clamor of critical opinions. Rather than letting reviews dictate his self-worth or sense of achievement, he concentrates on the art itself and his commitment to innovation.

Despite being nearly 87 years old, the man’s speed is unyielding. Ridley Scott has completed the long-awaited Gladiator sequel, which he claims to be among his finest work yet. The early excitement for Gladiator II supports this assertion, indicating that he didn’t let the initial criticisms of Blade Runner hinder him. Instead, these criticisms seem to have ignited a career that shows no signs of slowing down.

Prepare yourself for the grand return of “Gladiator II” in cinemas on November 22nd, and the excitement is palpable! However, if you can’t wait and crave a taste of Ridley Scott’s enchantment, consider revisiting one of the finest films of the 2000s. I’m referring to the first installment, starring Russell Crowe, the powerful sword-and-sandal epic known simply as “Gladiator”. Incidentally, it’s currently streaming with a Paramount+ subscription.

Read More

2024-11-10 02:37