Director Showcase – Ridley Scott
With the release of what could well be the Science-Fiction film of the year looming, Tom decided to take a look at Ridley Scott’s previous films to see if Prometheus can live up to the standards set before it.
Ever since his feature film debut in 1977, Ridley Scott has been the creative force behind a number of exceptional films in a variety of genres, many of which are regarded as classics that are a must see for any film fan. His movies often garner critical acclaim and commercial success as well as countless Oscar nominations and I have high hopes that Promethues will soon join the ranks of his essential films. Despite his excellent track record, Scott’s films are often released in a number of different versions as studios have the tendency to interfere with his vision. It certainly says something when even with interference from studios his films are capable of reaching a standard that most other directors could only dream of.
Essential Films:
Alien
In space, no one can hear you scream - has there ever been a more perfect tagline? The definitive sci-fi horror, Alien is a masterpiece in suspense that spawned three sequels and a number of disappointing spin offs as well as terrifying everyone by bringing the world the infamous chest bursting sequence which has lost none of its impact over thirty years later. When a mining ship investigate an SOS signal coming from a seemingly deserted planet they inadvertently discover a new life form far deadlier than ever imagined. Many have tried to emulate the success of Alien but it is too near to perfection to be matched and arguably remains Scott’s finest hour. If Prometheus is anywhere as good as Alien is then I will be a very happy man indeed.
Black Hawk Down
When I first saw this impeccable retelling of the true story that largely went unnoticed in the Western world I was shocked to the core and decided never to see Black Hawk Down again. The fact that the events depicted not only happened but happened during my lifetime genuinely affected me and it was not until I sought out the book two years ago that I decided I was ready to see the film again. Boy was I glad I did as it is one of the best modern war films in existence, the accuracy of the events and graphic portrayal of the carnage in Somalia make this a very harrowing but compelling watch. I would say that the Blu-ray is an essential purchase for every film fan as the 5.1 Surround sound places you in the heart of the action like no other war movie. Ridley did a fantastic job of highlighting the unpredictability of modern warfare and took home two Oscars for his troubles.
Blade Runner
Not content with just rebooting the Alien franchise, Ridley is in talks to direct a follow up of sorts to his other Science-fiction classic Blade Runner. Based on a Philip K. Dick novel the original was a fantastic vision of a futuristic world where replicants designed to be identical to humans are hunted down by Rick Deckard, a Blade Runner tasked with exterminating them. From the visually stunning set designs to the hauntingly beautiful soundtrack, everything in Blade Runner serves to emphasise the otherworldy atmosphere of an impersonal future. Many of Scott’s films have been butchered by the studios and Blade Runner is no different but this allows for alternative interpretations as all versions are widely available and well worth seeking out.
Gladiator
Historical epics don’t come more impressive than this Oscar winning story of a Roman general betrayed by a corrupt soldier and forced into slavery. Russell Crowe is astounding as the persecuted soldier Maximus and Gladiator contains some of the most gruesome fight scenes in modern cinema with Scott’s vivid depictions of slaves fighting for their life in a Roman Colosseum. The special effects are awe-inspiring and the huge scale of the film is realised impeccably with the Colosseum digitally restored to transport the audience to a time long past. It is a testament to Ridley’s direction that amongst all the carnage he still provides viewers with a genuinely moving story.
Recommended Films
Matchstick Men – Nicolas Cage and Sam Rockwell star in this razor sharp thriller about a pair of con artists on the verge of a life changing heist whose plans have to be altered when one of their daughters arrives on the scene.
Legend – This classic eighties fantasy has surfaced in a number of alternative versions due to the studio’s decision to cut and re-score a film that would have been best left untouched. It is difficult to pinpoint a definitive version although I do have a soft spot for the Tangerine Dream soundtrack.
The Duellists – Ridley’s feature film debut is a fascinating study of a lifelong grudge between two men during the Napoleonic age and their encounters during the war. This is a remarkable debut that highlights Scott’s ambition and talent as a director from day one.
American Gangster – Ridley Scott’s epic crime saga traces the life of a drug kingpin and the dedicated detective who is working with the narcotics team to bring down his crime ring. Russell Crowe and Denzel Washington are fantastic as the detective and drug lord respectively and despite its length the film flies by in no time at all
Hannibal – The Silence of the lambs was an incredibly hard film to follow and whilst Hannibal does not meet the standards of its forerunner it is still a gripping serial killer film that is worth a second look.
Films to Avoid:
G.I. Jane – In what is a fairly impeccable track record, this film stands out as a sore thumb amongst the rest of Ridley’s filmography. It’s not an awful film but Ridley is capable of far better.
About The Author – Tom Bielby
Long time film fan and aspiring film writer, Tom is a horror fanatic who wasted far too much time at University sitting through every film in the IMDB Top 250. He is partial to foreign films and cult cinema and would love to rid the world of people who rustle their popcorn during important scenes. He can be found on Twitter under the alias @filmbantha
Are you a fan of Mr Scott? Are you looking forward to Prometheus? Comment below…
Tom Bielby
So very glad to see ‘Black Hawk Down’ on your Essentials list, Tom. It’s a film that is under appreciated by this director. Based on Mark Bowden’s extraordinary non-fic book, Scott pulled off a film adaptation that many thought couldn’t be done with any justice done toward the Battle of Mogadishu. Then accomplished it and then some.
I pretty much agree with all of your picks here. Heck, I can and do watch ‘G.I. Jane’ for the pure entertainment value. Well done, Tom.
Good to see some appreciation for Black Hawk Down, it’s an ambitious but accomplished film that showcases Scott at his very best
…oh, how I can’t wait for Prometheus.
I’ve heard Ridley Scott can be a real pain to work with because he is so meticulous but he creates such fantastic films. That’s why I think Prometheus will be as good as we all hope – under any other director’s gaze I doubt Prometheus would be garnering the attention it is. My favourite film by Scott remains Alien.
There are so many films to look forward to in the coming weeks but Prometheus is definitely the one I am looking forward to the most. I just hope it can live up to the hype.
No Thelma and Louise or Body of Lies? I wouldn’t say they were essential viewing, but definitely worth a look, especially Body of Lies. I am glad that Black Hawk Down is on the essential list, there are some amazing action sequences in the film; not as obvious as in Gladiator perhaps, but the scale of some of them is phenomenal.
I really hope that Prometheus is the film we are all hoping it’s going to be.
I’ve not actually seen Body of lies or Thelma and Louise and whilst I have heard good things about them I wouldn’t want to recommend a film I haven’t actually seen. They are on my ever expanding to watch list though so I will hopefully get round to them at some point.
I think his weakest are Body of Lies and Robin Hood. I think the list is missing Thelma and Louise. Good call on Alien and Blade Runner, glad you mentioned Matchistick Men it’s such a great film.
Thanks for your comment Sati, Matchstick men is often overlooked but is a great film. I definitely need to get round to watching Thelma and Louise although I am put off because I already know the ending!
Nice job, Tom.
I agree with your Essential picks, though I might consider moving Black Hawk Down into Recommended. It’s basically splitting hairs, but I don’t feel it’s stuck around in the public consciousness like the others. I’d also move Hannibal to avoid. There are some effective grisly scenes but the tone is off and is maddeningly inconsistent. It’s cool to see Matchstick Men in there, which I think is an underrated film.
Any thoughts on some of his other movies? Kingdom of Heaven? Robin Hood?
I thought that Kingdom of Heaven was okay but not really up to Scott’s usual standard. The battle scenes were intense but the story was nowhere near as gripping as his other epic Gladiator.
I have yet to see Robin Hood, Scott has worked on a lot of films and there are still a few films of his I haven’t got round to watching yet.
I can see why people wouldn’t enjoy Hannibal but it does have its moments and I love a gruesome serial killer flick.
I’m one of those who don’t really get his appeal. Most of his films have left me cold. If I had to chose GLADIATOR would be the only one I remotely liked, but only because I’m into epics.
I’m quite surprised by this Dez, he has made such a variety of films I would have thought there was something in his filmography for everyone. Gladiator definitely has a universal appeal though so at least you enjoyed that!
Woo hoo! One of my all time favorite directors. I’d also recommend ‘Someone to Watch Over Me’ as it’s kind of different than Scott’s other work but he definitely can do a romantic thriller/drama well. I forgot he did Legend, boy I saw that ages ago, when I used to think Tom Cruise was so hot
I’ve not even heard of someone to watch over me but it sounds like a film i would enjoy. Tom Cruise is great in Legend, one of few 80s fantasy films that still holds up today.
Great list! I have been looking forward to Prometheus most of the year. I can only hope that it matches the pinnacle that Alien did.
Thanks for your comment Fitz, I have faith in Scott, fingers crossed Prometheus will turn out to be a classic!
Great showcase, very difficult to not mention more of his films as there are so many quality ones. Still really want to see Kingdom of Heaven but I’ve heard such mixed things and it doesn’t even get in here (at least it’s not down as the one to avoid!) Gladiator is my favourite but I’m fully expecting Prometheus to be great!
Kingdom of Heaven is okay but didn’t make my recommended list for a reason. Such an incredible director and a great cast should have been able to make a gripping epic but it is too long and the characters failed to grab my attention.
Another great Showcase my friend!
I think I pretty much love Mr Scott, not only for having the best name ever (SCOTT) but also in bringing us some amazing films that have shaped a generation.
Roll On FRIDAY!!
Haha he’s not a bad namesake to have. It was quite a tricky one to put together as he has so many great films. For once I am actually excited about Summer blockbuster season, there are some potential classics coming out in the next few weeks. Definitely looking forward to Prometheus the most though.
Despite all of Ridley’s poor films he’s done of late, he’s still one of my all time favourite directors. Great pick of films here. Including Matchstick Men, which is a little gem in my eyes!
Black Hawk Down had the same effect on me as it did you. Such a powerful film and truly eye opening. Don’t think there have been any modern warfare films that have ever matched up with this.
Think Gladiator is my all time favourite. It’s just epic, and still stands strong when rewatched now.
Hey Jaina, glad you agree with my picks. It’s also good to see I wasn’t alone in my thoughts on Black Hawk Down. It’s really upsetting but so gripping it’s difficult to take your eyes of the ation.