Ridley Scott

by Brian J Robb
Pocket Essentials ISBN 1-903047-56-0

This little book depicting the career of director Ridley Scott is one in a growing series of books on people in the arts, films and books. The whole series oozes information from the tiny print. And they are so useful for carrying about in a jacket pocket for inevitable train journeys, lectures or boring meetings.

This one covers Ridley Scott's live and works. Including his childhood and the influences which led up to his initial career in television. Initially he worked on set design, utilising his art college training, but soon his yearning lent towards directing. Soon it was commercials then through the twists of fate to feature films like The Duellists, Alien, Blade Runner and Legend.

Since then he has directed such classics as Thelma and Louise and Gladiator. However the book is factual and does not review the films. It relies on quotes and facts and figures to make its case, and is all the better for that. Basically, this entertaining fact book gives you all the information you need as a film watcher to make up your own mind. It is a healthy breath of honesty in a world of tabloid views and historical re-evaluation.

Maybe I should take a leaf out of these books and reserve judgement! Naw, this is a review. The book, and in fact the whole series, is superb. The price tag may seem a little high at first sight at £3.99 for such a slim book and there may be no pictures, but it is literally packed with information.

Log on to www.pocketessentials.com and see the range ofd the full series. It includes Terry Gilliam, Stanley Kubrick, Philip K. Dick, David Lynch and many more.

G. Hurry