Ridley Scott has given us some of the most prolific science-fiction movies. He is clearly a respected visionary in Hollywood circles who helped pave the way for future directors. One of the directors influenced by these science-fiction movies, is Denis Villeneuve. In a recent interview with Pete Hammond of Deadline, the director of Blade Runner 2049 discussed the impact these films have had on his career:
“My dream to do cinema was linked with science-fiction” and that they were “Movies that filled my dreams.”
Pertaining specifically to his most recent film, he elaborated on his excitement for the project, and why it appealed to him:
“I was devoured by curiosity, because I thought it was such an arrogant, and insane and beautiful but bad idea to try and do a sequel to the original Blade Runner.”
The original Blade Runner film wasn’t fully embraced by the public at the time of its release, but since then has developed cult status. Denis Villeneuve clearly understood the importance of appealing to the original film’s fans, and respecting Ridley Scott’s vision:
“I had the responsibility to respect, to honor the legacy of the original movie. Now, he told me right at the start he would give me, total, all the space, all the freedom, he will step away, it will be my responsibility.”
Even though this mutual understanding between the filmmakers existed, it sounds as if sometimes they disagreed about specifics in the film. One day it appears that Denis Villeneuve was growing annoyed with Ridley Scott, stating:
“He came on set one day and after a few minutes standing behind me it was unbearable. I made a joke, I said to him, 'Hey Ridley, who is your favorite director?' And he said, 'I love Ingmar Bergman and Kubrick.' I said 'I love Bergman too. So Ridley, how would you feel if you were on set and you had Bergman just behind you?' And he burst out laughing and he walked off the set. Because I was trying to direct Harrison Ford and I was like, 'Nope, it doesn't work.”
Whether or not the two saw eye to eye on everything, they still delivered a cinematic delight.