Know Your Filmmaker: Ridley Scott (Alien: Covenant)

With so many new directors on the rise, I feel it is very important to KNOW YOUR FILMMAKER.

As we all wait with bated breath for the newest chapter in the Alien/Prometheus universe, Alien: Covenant, it feels necessary to highlight a few key works from the films amazing director: Ridley Scott.

Ridley Scott has been in the business for quite some time, and yet, he’s still directing films like we were in 1979. While Ridley is very well known for his directing work, he has produced several incredible films as well that have left lasting impressions on us viewers.

Ladies and gentlemen…Ridley freakin’ Scott:

Legend (1985)

The 1980’s will always be the birthplace of some of the greatest fantasy films of all time. But, 1985 brought us films like ‘Ladyhawke,’ ‘Red Sonja,’ ‘The Black Cauldron’ and ‘The Goonies.’ One of the greatest fantasy films of all time will always be Ridley Scott’s ‘Legend.’ Starring the young Tom Cruise, the stunning Mia Sara and the charming Tim Curry. While this film probably terrified most of us as kids, the Directors Cut is such a fantastic addition to the fantasy world of cinema. ‘Legend’ is a now-classic film that was such an impressive follow-up to Scott’s two previous films: Alien and Blade Runner…considering he went from two hard sci-fi films to a beautiful and magical fantasy film.

Gladiator (2000)

After creating classics in the sci-fi and fantasy genre, it would only make sense for Scott to challenge himself with a period piece. ‘Gladiator’ went on to become yet ANOTHER classic film. I remember seeing this film for the first time and feeling its epic proportions. The Academy also felt its epic proportions seeing that the film went on to win 5 Oscar’s for Best Picture, Costume Design, Sound and Effects.

Hannibal & Black Hawk Down (2001)

How does one follow creating multiple ‘classics,’ and winning 5 Oscars? Well, they release two great films in one year. Scott went onto release a horror film AND a modern war film that both received critical praise across the board. While ‘Hannibal’ was released in February 2001 and ‘Black Hawk Down‘ premiered in December 2001, this was still an incredibly impressive feat for a director. Ridley Scott was unstoppable!

Fun fact: ‘Black Hawk Down’ featured a stellar cast with names such as Ty Burrell, Tom Hardy, Orlando Bloom and Nikolaj Coster-Waldau…all of which went on to become household names!

Matchstick Men (2003)

If you haven’t seen this film; stop what you’re doing and order it on Amazon right now. This movie was extremely ahead of its time. A solid script, amazing performances and an all around great movie. While I saw this film when I was a lot younger, it’s stuck with me all of this time…and helped introduce me to one of my favorite actors: Sam Rockwell.

The Martian (2015)

Now, I know you’re asking yourself: ‘The Martian’ just came out, why would you assume we don’t who directed it?

I know this is probably an obvious choice; but, it had to make the list. Ridley Scott…the same guy who directed incredible films in the 70’s and 80’s is back and better than ever. He directed ‘The Martian’ with a youthful energy and style that most young filmmakers cannot even achieve. Even in 2015, the man is still directing destined-to-be-classic films.

Let us know what some of your favorite Ridley Scott films!

Alien: Covenant releases May 19th. Get your tickets now!