Ridley Scott picks his favourite movie shot of all time
In the realm of influential figures in science fiction cinema, few surpass the remarkable contributions made by Ridley Scott across his career. Scott has forged some of the genre’s most pivotal works, offering visions of the future that are both breathtaking and occasionally chilling.
His sophomore effort, Alien, established the framework for science fiction horror and was succeeded by the visually stunning Blade Runner. Scott’s repertoire in sci-fi extends to additional movies within the Alien franchise, such as Prometheus and Covenant, along with the Matt Damon-fronted 2015 production The Martian.
However, just like many other cinematic masters, Scott also has his own personal favourites. One of which is the classic John Ford 1956 western film The Searchers, starring John Wayne and widely regarded as one of the greatest and most influential western movies ever made. The Searchers is mostly celebrated for its stunning cinematography, thematic depth, and complex characters.
Set in the aftermath of the American Civil War, the story follows Ethan Edwards, played by Wayne, a Civil War veteran on a quest to rescue his niece, Debbie, who has been abducted by the Comanche. Ethan’s obsessive search spans years, and it’s complicated by his deep-seated prejudices and conflicts with his own moral code.
Scott picks out one scene in particular that became his all-time favourite: “John Wayne walking through the door in silhouette out onto the desert,” he explained. “I think the film is still one of the best Westerns ever made. The thing that The Searchers got right was the space and time. The time is takes to ride the landscape. When he’s going off he says ‘I’ll see you in a year’, and you’re all on a horse back. It’s such a different universe. It’s almost like science fiction.”
When it comes to picking strictly sci-fi favourites, however, at the top of Scott’s list is Stanley Kubrick’s highly influential 1968 masterpiece, 2001: A Space Odyssey. Widely hailed as one of the greatest sci-fi films, it delves into humanity’s evolution from primitive apes to advanced space travellers. This choice by Scott is a testament to the movie’s profound impact on the genre.
Following closely is George Lucas’ 1977 space epic, Star Wars, initially named Episode IV – A New Hope. This inaugural instalment of the iconic franchise remains a cornerstone of sci-fi cinema, serving as the launching point for one of the most monumental franchises in the genre’s history. However, when the spotlight is on his own works, Scott points to his iconic films Blade Runner and Alien as ones that he remains particularly proud of.
