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Ridley Scott Decries Modern Cinema as 'Drowning in Mediocrity' at BFI Southbank

He paired the broadside with updates on The Dog Stars plus a third Gladiator in the works, saying retirement is not on the table.

Overview

  • Speaking in London, Scott said the global volume of releases now runs into the millions and declared that most new films are "s**t."
  • He argued weak scripts are often propped up by costly digital effects, urging filmmakers to "get it on paper" first.
  • Frustrated by current output, he said he has been rewatching his own films and cited a recent viewing of Black Hawk Down.
  • He offered a rough quality breakdown, estimating 5% of contemporary films are great, 10% pretty good, about 40% not bad, and the rest poor.
  • Scott confirmed production on The Dog Stars is complete and said he is writing Gladiator 3, adding that he does not intend to retire.