Ridley Scott's journey in the film industry has been marked by both critical acclaim and studio criticism. His early works, such as "The Duellists," "Alien," "Blade Runner," and "Legend," laid the foundation for his successful career. However, he faced opposition from a studio executive who urged him to make movies about "normal people." Scott was puzzled by this request, as he believed that everyone is unique and there is no such thing as a "normal person."

Scott's Response and Perspective

Scott firmly believed in his artistic vision and continued to create films that pushed the boundaries. He emphasized that his movies are not meant to be about ordinary people but rather to explore complex themes and tell captivating stories. He said, "These are all good movies, so there's something deeply wrong with the audience or marketing. But you know, I'm not bitter. I'm very happy where I am. It is the best attitude that one can have. I think, you know, that's the best attitude that one can have, to just love all of your movies, trust, and keep going."

Early Directorial Efforts

Scott's early directorial efforts were met with both praise and criticism. His films, such as "Alien" and "Blade Runner," are considered science-fiction classics. However, they did not initially achieve commercial success. "Blade Runner" in particular was critically divisive when it opened in 1982. The esteemed film critic Pauline Kael "destroyed" the film in her review, which Scott recalled as a painful experience. He said, "I didn't even meet her. To me, it almost walked in the column of industrial espionage, because you're destroying a product before it's out."

Current Success

Scott is currently enjoying a resurgence in his career with the release of his long-awaited sequel "Gladiator II." The film has crossed $100 million at the domestic box office and $320 million worldwide, proving that Scott's talent and vision still resonate with audiences. He said, "I'm very proud of this movie. It's a continuation of the story that I started with 'Gladiator' and I'm excited to see how audiences respond to it."

Lessons Learned

Scott's career has taught him valuable lessons about perseverance and staying true to one's artistic vision. He said, "You have to believe in yourself and your work. There will always be people who criticize and doubt you, but you have to keep going. If you believe in what you're doing, eventually, people will come around and appreciate your work."