Ridley Scott Still Hates SciFi
Here is an anti-scifi rant by Ridley Scott. Again. This time it’s a minor one, taken from a to BBC interview where he is talking about Blade Runner and scifi.
Why do you think it’s stood the test of time?
MTV started around 1980, and I used to watch it. I think in its early days it was more interesting – these little filmlets cooked up by the bands and the director that were four, five minutes of really great entertainment. I’d get a lot of ideas off them. But then I started to notice bits of Blade Runner in there.
I thought, ‘Where the hell did they get that? My god – someone’s copying me!’ It was a huge influence in a lot of rock videos: wet streets, smoke, funny people. There was an evolution occurring. That generation only really watched MTV, and that would be the generation we’re talking about now.
How do you feel about the future of science-fiction?
Everyone and their mother are making science-fiction movies, and for the most part they all really lack story. The tail is wagging the dog – the special effects, instead of being the means to an end, are the end in itself.
Where do all the writers go? Writing is the single hardest thing to do. Once you get your design on paper, everything else is pretty straightforward.
Yeah, Ridley Scott invented wet streets. Please…
Note to filmmakers: If your movie features wet streets, streets with a sheen that may suggest wetness, or any pavement whatsoever that is not 100% dry, please forward royalties to Sir Ridley Scott, c/o Fantasyland.
Oh, and Blade Runner is overrated.
Gee, I thought Michael Mann invented wet streets! 😉
Of course, the second para that you’ve quoted but not commented is dead on.
While I disagree with you about Blade Runner…the fact that Ridley Scott doesn’t understand science fiction is somewhat disheartening.
He’s a very good director, with a blind spot. Many directors have egos, some larger than others. Its possible you need one in order to direct a movie of any given size.
Speaking of which, does anyone here watch NUMB3RS? It would be a much better show if they take all the math crap out of it!!
Do you think he thinks that he invented mathematics too?
“Whats that John? I couldn’t hear you, I have “Wilson’s”
in my ears and hot chicks on my arms.” :-@
The answer to the first question listed is pretty silly. But the second question…I’m surprised you passed that by. As the other commentator (Jon) said: It is dead on with what is wrong with 99.99% of all filmed SF.
I hate to be the one to inform Mr Scott, but music video directors will steal, er be inspired by, anything they can find. I once saw a video that used The Shadow from the 1930s (okay, the Baldwin movie never inspired anyone). And here it is:
Danger Danger – Naughty Naughty
I think we have to assume that essentially no hair band fans were also Lamont Cranston fans, so we must attribute this to desperation.
The more accurate title would be “Ridley Scott Still Hates Bad SciFi.” As do we all. Slam on Ridley Scott all you want (and sure, he’s got a big ego) but the reality is he’s looking for good SF scripts as much as you or I. Earlier this summer you linked to this interview:
You’re so right. Bladerunner is so over-rated. I didn’t even like it.