Ridley Scott, like many of us around the world, has recently gone back to painting. Why? Well, the filmmaker is doing his best to avoid social interaction and wait around for the COVID-19 (coronavirus) pandemic to run its course. And that means the filmmaker has to do things that don’t involve large sets and a huge film crew. So, painting.
He talked about his love of painting, as well as the current production delay of his new period film, “The Last Duel,” in a new interview with Variety. And when he wasn’t talking about how his film is currently on hold, he’s a bit upset with how the leaders of the world, primarily President Donald Trump, are handling this viral outbreak.
“Particularly with this orange-headed fellow that’s running us, he’s a nutcase, isn’t he?” said Scott. “[New York Gov. Andrew] Cuomo made a name for himself, he’s put himself on the map certainly. Looking at the globalization of the politicians that are running the world, half the time being run by idiots and the other time by despots, there are very few worthwhile ones, if you know what I mean. No one wants to go into politics. If anyone has half a brain they wouldn’t want to go into politics anyway, right?”
As for how the world might handle the pandemic a bit better, Scott has an idea. One that recalls some of the worst times in history, as he feels the COVID-19 pandemic feels a bit like a war.
“I’m a war baby, so, in the war years, we had rationing,” he explained. “People could not binge on food, we had ration books with coupons where you were at a limited amount that you could buy. They should do that now because people are buying so much food and then the food is rotting. In England as well, I mean, Jesus, Boris [Johnson], get out your thinking cap, ’cause what we’re now talking on is an iPhone, a perfect coupon distributor to limit what you can buy each time you go to the shops. And that way, you have order. You must have order and calm.”
As mentioned, Ridley Scott is currently waiting until he can resume filming on “The Last Duel” with Matt Damon, Adam Driver, and Ben Affleck. He recently finished a month’s worth of filming in France and is being cautious before moving around Europe to continue work.
“The Last Duel” originally was set to be released by the end of this year, primarily so that it could be part of the year-end awards conversation. However, with the delay in production, it’s beginning to look more and more like the film will be delayed until 2021. An official announcement has yet to be made.