Ridley Scott clarifies comments about Malta following condemnation from politicians
Director Ridley Scott has explained his comments about Malta, where he shot his latest movie Gladiator II, after stating he wouldn’t visit the country on holiday.
The European country has become a hotbed as a filming location for Hollywood productions for a variety of reasons, such as its rich architecture and financial incentives. For Gladiator II, the company behind the movie were able to recoup $47million thanks to a rebate scheme which is offered to film productions that shoot in Malta.
Last month, during a discussion with Christopher Nolan to promote Gladiator II, Scott heaped praise on Malta, stating, “I’ve shot three times in Malta, Malta is a treasure trove of architecture, Malta is a treasure trove of architecture. The architecture goes from medieval right through to Renaissance, and when it’s good, it’s spectacular.”
However, the director then controversially said, “No Maltese in here, are there? I would not go back there on holiday.” Scott previously filmed Gladiator, White Squall, and Napoleon in Malta before returning to the island to make Gladiator II.
Scott has been labelled a “bully” for his comments about Malta by Valletta Cultural Agency Chairman, Jason Micallef. Additionally, Maltese MP Adrian Delia claimed he failed to show “respect … towards those who welcomed you warmly, shared and lent their history and culture and showered you with millions to credit to your tax bill.”
Delia continued: “You advised the world not to visit us as tourists. Well, allow me to advise you not to visit at all. Not to screen your movies, not to plunder our hard-earned tax coffers and certainly not to spit disrespect in our faces.”
Scott has now responded to the criticism by issuing a statement to the Maltese publication the Times of Malta, claiming, “I have spent so much time on the island over the years – working, exploring, enjoying, and watching it change and evolve – that I wouldn’t need to take a holiday there!”
The filmmaker also praised the people of Malta as being “wonderful” and “welcoming”, as well as stating that his decision to shoot in the country on four occasions has “brought significant resources and opportunities to the country, as any major film production(s) would.”
The Gladiator II director added: “Malta (and the city of Valletta) has always been a place of artistic inspiration for me. My deep and sincere hope is – in the ever-changing times we live in – the long-term preservation of Maltese culture and traditions, so future generations can enjoy and learn from this country’s unique and diverse history.”
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