Gladiator II Cinematographer Says Ridley Scott ‘Changed’ and Is ‘Lazy’ Now

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As a long-time admirer of Ridley Scott’s work, it’s disheartening to hear John Mathieson’s critique of his approach to filmmaking. Having worked with Scott on several iconic films like Gladiator and Gladiator II, Mathieson’s observations seem to resonate with my own experiences on set.

As a dedicated gamer, diving into the world of Gladiator II, I’ve got to share my thoughts on a conversation between the cinematographer John Mathieson and the legendary director Ridley Scott. In his own words, Mathieson expressed some strong criticisms, suggesting that Scott has shifted from his original approach when it comes to filmmaking.

What did the Gladiator II cinematographer say?

During his latest interview on the DocFix podcast (through World of Reel), Mathieson, a cinematographer who has collaborated with Scott on films like Gladiator, Hannibal, Kingdom of Heaven, Robin Hood, and the recent Gladiator II, expressed that Scott’s current filmmaking approach seems “quite casual” or “not putting in much effort.

Mathieson commented, “It’s incredibly sloppy.” He pointed out that the CG aspects of tidying-up, such as leaving objects in frame, cameras and microphones visible, set pieces hanging loose, and shadows from equipment, were left unattended. They simply said, “Fix it up,” regarding Gladiator II.

Mathieson further commented that Scott’s eagerness frequently leads him to attempt “acquiring as much as possible all at once,” and just because multiple cameras are employed doesn’t automatically guarantee a superior outcome.

Mathieson pointed out that he’s rather eager, preferring to gather as many elements as possible at once,” said the statement. “However, this approach isn’t ideal for cinematography…His earlier works demonstrate a keen interest in depth and lighting. However, his current pace seems more focused on completing everything quickly rather than achieving depth with various cameras.

As a devoted admirer, I must express my thoughts on a subject that has been on my mind. Overabundance of cameras in filmmaking, I’m not convinced, enhances the quality… It often feels like a mad dash, a frantic pace. However, this has evolved in Ridley Scott’s style, which I find displeasing. Yet, his films continue to captivate audiences worldwide, and who am I to argue? He is, after all, Ridley Scott, and he retains the freedom to create as he sees fit.

There’s some uncertainty about whether Mathieson and Scott will collaborate again in the future, but it appears that they have different approaches when it comes to filmmaking at present. On the other hand, Scott is currently working on multiple films, one of which involves Paul Mescal from Gladiator II.

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2024-11-30 01:10