Ridley Scott Apologizes for Saying Malta is Not a Destination He Would Go on Holiday

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As a seasoned cinephile with decades of movie-watching under my belt, I must say that Ridley Scott‘s latest remarks about Malta left me somewhat perplexed. While it is well-known that Scott is not one to mince his words, this particular incident has raised eyebrows and stirred controversy.

Having had the pleasure of watching many of his masterpieces on the silver screen, I find myself questioning whether his comments were a misguided attempt at humor or an unfortunate lapse in judgment. As someone who has enjoyed the architectural wonders captured so beautifully in films like Gladiator and Napoleon, I can’t help but feel that Scott’s words did not do justice to the charm and allure of this Mediterranean island nation.

In my humble opinion, it would have been more productive for Scott to focus on the positive aspects of his filming experiences in Malta rather than discouraging potential tourists from visiting. After all, if one were to judge a place solely by the words of its visitors, many beautiful destinations might be overlooked.

On a lighter note, I can’t help but wonder what Ridley Scott would say about my upcoming vacation plans to Malta. Perhaps he would advise me not to bring my sunscreen or swimsuit, as the island is apparently devoid of sun and sand! But fear not, Ridley, for I shall continue to enjoy the architectural treasures that Malta has to offer – with or without your blessing.

The individual in question is known for his bluntness, and over the past week, he’s had to apologize for some harsh, allegedly humorous remarks targeting Malta, a country where he filmed a significant portion of both and his previous masterpiece, Napoleon. Despite his apparent fondness for filming in Malta, which offers him a substantial tax rebate, Scott expressed during an interview for Gladiator II promotion that he wouldn’t recommend it as a holiday destination. This statement didn’t sit well with many people on the Mediterranean island.

In a YouTube chat hosted by Paramount Pictures featuring Scott and renowned filmmaker Christopher Nolan, Scott was inquired about the production of the upcoming film, “Gladiator II.” To which he responded:

I’ve been to Malta three times, and it’s a place rich in architectural beauty, [yet] I wouldn’t recommend it as a vacation spot. To be honest, I wouldn’t choose to visit again, but the architecture spans from medieval to renaissance, and when it’s at its best, it’s truly magnificent.

Smiling, the creator of the Alien series jokingly mentioned that he hoped none of the viewers were from Malta. Although this might have been true, his remarks didn’t stay confined as they swiftly reached some Maltese politicians, who promptly and disapprovingly reacted.

One Member of Parliament, Adrian Delia, criticized Scott for not demonstrating more gratitude towards those who “offered you a warm welcome, shared their history, culture, and heritage, and provided you with millions to help pay your taxes.” Simultaneously, Delia expressed his disapproval by saying:

Having lived through years of cultural exploitation and economic disparity, I strongly urge you to reconsider your actions towards us. Instead of visiting as tourists, I implore you not to come at all. Refrain from imposing your movies upon us, stop draining our communities with financial plunder, and most importantly, respect our dignity by ceasing the disrespectful behavior that has become all too common in interactions between our nations. It is high time for a change in perspective and a more equitable approach to cultural exchange.

Ridley Scott Backtracked on his Malta Comments

After facing backlash from Maltese individuals, director Scott issued an apologetic statement, clarifying that his previous comments were intended as humor. However, given that humor can sometimes be hard to detect in the straight-talking and no-nonsense director, a bit of reconciliation was necessary. The statement read:

“Apologies for any offense caused by my previous remarks. They were meant jokingly.”

This way, we maintain the original meaning while making it easier for readers to understand.

My humor-laced remarks seemingly didn’t land as intended. Over the years, I’ve invested a lot of time on this island – work, adventure, relaxation, and observing its transformation – to the point where I could skip a vacation there.

It appears everything is going smoothly in that situation, as long as Scott will be pleased. At present, Malta offers a cash rebate of 40% for foreign filmmakers shooting their movies there, which could be quite an appealing return for Hollywood directors, especially if they plan to create Gladiator III. However, whether this has helped mend his ties with the country’s influential figures remains to be seen.

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2025-01-03 03:01