"People say I pay too much attention to the look of a movie but for God's sake, I'm not producing a Radio 4 Play for Today, I'm making a movie that people are going to look at"
- Ridley Scott
About this Quote
Ridley Scott's remark highlights a basic aspect of filmmaking: the visual experience. In this quote, Scott is responding to criticism that he focuses exceedingly on the visual aesthetics of his films. He uses the example of a "Radio 4 Play for Today" to draw a contrast in between the audio-centered format of radio and the inherently visual medium of movie theater. Radio plays rely totally on dialogue and sound to convey their stories, whereas movies have the additional, and significant, benefit of visual storytelling.
Scott's assertion, "I'm making a motion picture that individuals are going to look at," emphasizes the significance of visual style in movie theater. In his view, the visuals are not simply an adjunct to the narrative however are main to how stories are informed in films. This viewpoint is a testimony to the power of images in generating emotions, setting tones, and enhancing the narrative. As a director understood for his aesthetically spectacular films like "Blade Runner" and "Gladiator," Scott's concentrate on visuals is an intentional choice to produce an immersive experience that mesmerizes the audience.
Furthermore, Scott's statement can be viewed as a defense of the creative and technical aspects of filmmaking. The visual components-- the set design, cinematography, lighting, and special results-- are not simply superficial components; they are essential to the medium's language. By prioritizing these aspects, Scott intends to elevate the cinematic experience, making it more than simply a story however a visceral journey through well-crafted worlds.
In essence, Scott is advocating for a holistic technique to filmmaking, where visuals function as a vibrant part of storytelling. His persistence on visual detail underscores the belief that films are a visual art kind and that their success typically lies in their capability to enchant and engage the audience through effective and memorable images.