Key Takeaways:
– Denis Villeneuve admitted feeling uncomfortable directing Blade Runner 2049 in Ridley Scott’s presence.
– The Dune director had to creatively ask Scott to leave the set during one of the scenes involving Harrison Ford.
– Despite the discomfort, Villeneuve recognized Scott’s generosity and support throughout the production.
Acclaimed filmmaker Denis Villeneuve recently shared his unsettling experience on the Blade Runner 2049 set. During an interview with Deadline, Villeneuve confessed that Ridley Scott’s presence while working on the sequel made him feel anxious.
Ridley Scott’s Hefty Involvement
Villeneuve took on directorial duties for the much-anticipated Blade Runner sequel, decades after the original film’s release. Ridley Scott, the director of the 1982 cult classic, served as an executive producer for the new installment. Scott’s heavy involvement in the production and frequent visits to the set unsettled Villeneuve.
The Dune director noted, “He was there a lot because I was dealing with his screenplay, I was dealing with his ideas, I was dealing with his universe, with his characters.” Despite the pressure of honoring the original film, Scott had given Villeneuve the freedom to work on the movie while assuring him of his support.
Tension on the Sets
However, trying to direct with Scott present on set proved too demanding for Villeneuve. He highlighted how working with the Oscar-winning filmmaker in such proximity made him uncomfortable. “I would have never been able to work with Ridley behind me,” Villeneuve admitted.
His discomfort peaked when directing veteran actor Harrison Ford, the headliner of the original Blade Runner. Villeneuve admitted to feeling unbearable pressure when Scott kept a hawk-like watch on the scene. The situation ultimately led Villeneuve to ask Scott to leave the set in a humorous and polite manner.
Villeneuve’s Smooth Request
In recollecting his experience with Deadline, Villeneuve described the scene where he was directing Harrison Ford. He referred to it as “unbearable” with Scott overlooking his work. To ease the situation, Villeneuve devised a tactful plan to make Scott understand his predicament.
Villeneuve asked Scott about his favorite directors, to which Scott responded with Ingmar Bergman and Stanley Kubrick. Villeneuve then posed a hypothetical situation, “… Ridley, how would you feel if you were on set directing and you had Bergman just behind you?” Scott’s understanding and laughter allowed him to leave the set without any hard feelings.
Acknowledgement of Scott’s Support
Despite the awkward incidents, Villeneuve expressed gratitude for Scott’s indispensable support and guidance during the production. The 56-year-old filmmaker acknowledged Scott’s generous nature, affirming that Scott was “very generous and so very supportive” and offered valuable advice when required.
The Blade Runner series remains a staple in the world of sci-fi films, boasting a strong fan base globally, despite the mixed reviews received by the original movie. Blade Runner 2049 was a testament to the success of the franchise, and the directorial baton passing from Ridley Scott to Denis Villeneuve was a pivotal moment in the series’ history.
Fans and movie enthusiasts can stream the Blade Runner film series on Prime Video. Villeneuve’s openness about his experience directs the spotlight to the creative challenges faced behind the scenes, making it a must-watch for every film lover.
