Ridley Scott on Early Career Criticism: “No One Is Normal Unless You’re Totally Boring”
Visionary Director Recalls Studio Pressure to Make More Conventional Films
Legendary director Ridley Scott has never shied away from bold stylistic choices in his films, embracing grand scales, complex themes, and memorable characters.
But early in his career, after the release of four distinct and ambitious films – “The Duellists,” “Alien,” “Blade Runner,” and “Legend” – Scott found himself facing resistance from studio executives. These initial projects, though now considered cinematic masterpieces, didn’t achieve the box office success the studios had hoped for.
During a conversation on the “Director’s Cut” podcast with Fede Alvarez, director of the 2024 film “Alien: Romulus,” Scott recalled a pointed question from an anonymous studio executive after these early releases.
“Someone at one of the studios said to me, ‘Why don’t you make a movie about normal people?'” Scott recounted.
His response was immediate and unwavering: “What the hell does that mean? No one is normal unless you’re totally boring, right?”
Refusing to compromise his artistic vision, Scott remained resolute.
Redefining ‘Success’ – Scott’s Perspective on Early Box Office Performance
He admitted that his first four films weren’t immediate financial blockbusters, but he maintained confidence in their quality.
“That’s four good first films,” he stated firmly. “So I knew I was on the right track.”
Scott reflected on possible reasons for the initial underwhelming box office performance, believing the fault laid might lie with either the film’s marketing or the audience’s receptiveness at the time.
“These are all good movies, so there’s something deeply wrong with the audience or the marketing,” he said.
Despite the early challenges, Scott refuses to dwell on past disappointments.
“But, you know, I’m not bitter. I’m very happy with where I am.”
Embracing a forward-looking approach, he concluded, “It’s the best attitude you can have. I think, you know, that’s the best attitude you can have, to love all your movies, trust, and move on.”
What advice does Ridley Scott give to young filmmakers facing similar pressures today?
## Staying True to Vision: An Interview with Ridley Scott
**Interviewer:** Welcome back to the show, Ridley. You’ve been making groundbreaking films for decades, always pushing boundaries and taking risks. But there was a period in your early career where the critics weren’t so kind, and studios seemed to be pressuring you to conform. Can you tell us more about that?
**Ridley Scott:** (chuckles) Well, let’s just say I wasn’t exactly making “normal people” movies back then. My early epics weren’t box office smashes right away, and yes, there was some pressure to tone things down, to make something more conventional. But I always believed in my vision. As I often say, “No one is normal unless you’re totally boring!” [1]
**Interviewer:** That’s a great quote! It really speaks to your unwavering commitment to your art. What kept you going when things got tough?
**Ridley Scott:** It’s about passion, isn’t it? Believing in the stories you want to tell. Knowing that even if they don’t resonate with everyone initially, they’ll find their audience eventually. Looking back, those early films, even the ones that didn’t make a splash financially, paved the way for everything that came after.
**Interviewer:** Absolutely. And your success speaks for itself. You’ve created some of cinema’s most iconic films, from Blade Runner to Gladiator. What advice would you give to young filmmakers who might be facing similar pressures today?
**Ridley Scott:** Don’t compromise your vision. Stay true to your voice. It might be a challenging road, but the rewards of creating something truly original are immeasurable. And remember, the world needs more “abnormal” people, the ones who dare to dream big and make those dreams a reality.
**Interviewer:** Wise words indeed. Thank you for sharing your insights, Ridley.
