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Ridley Scott: A Brief Film Analysis

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Ridley Scott may be known for his groundbreaking sci-fi films such as Alien and Blade Runner, he was first known for directing a Chanel No. 5 commercial called Share the Fantasy. This has caused Ridley Scott to have more critical acclaim and financial success as a director of television commercials than as a feature filmmaker, although he has been awarded with the title of auteur (Adams, 896). He is best known for his stunning visuals in Blade Runner and the adrenaline pumping alien scenes in the sci-fi horror film, Alien. Yet, at first it may be a shock that Ridley Scott went to art school instead of film school. But a closer look at his films and their lighting and set design and it is obvious that he is has a wealth of knowledge when it comes to art. This is evident in his films as he places great value on …show more content…

Not only do Ridley Scott’s cinematographic choices carry the weight of his films by setting the mood but they also shape the audience’s desires and expectations (Schwartz, viii). This is displayed in the scene in Black Rain, where Nick is standing on the bridge after he witnessed his partner Charlie, get his head sliced off by the Japanese criminal Sato. The bridge is lit by small pink neon lights that line the road that runs down the center as it rains. Nick is silhouetted against the outlook that is lit by red lights that are far away. Scott convey’s an atmosphere of anger with the red lights. Nick is mad that Charlie is dead and he seeks revenge. But he is also sad and his sadness is displayed by the rain that pours down upon him. This use of lighting and set design to convert the mood and set the theme of the story has become Ridley Scott’s signature style to lighting films. These beautiful frames are had to forget after watching a Ridley Scott

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