Entertainment
Top 5 Ridley Scott Movies on Netflix to Watch This Weekend
Get your popcorns ready!
Sir Ridley Scott is a British film director. He is most recognized for his work as a director of science fiction, crime, and historical drama films, like the Alien film series.
His work is characterized by an ambient and highly focused visual approach. Scott has won several awards, including the BAFTA Fellowship for Lifetime Achievement in 2018, two Primetime Emmys, and a Golden Globe.
He has even been knighted by the late Queen Elizabeth II in 2003. Scott, a graduate of the Royal College of Art in London, began his career in television as a designer and director before going into advertising as a commercial director.
He made his directorial debut with The Duellists in 1977 and rose to prominence with his following feature, Alien, in 1979. The Alien film was shown in 70 mm at midnight on May 25, 1979, as the opening night of the fourth Seattle International Film Festival.
It received negative reviews upon its first release but went on to become a box-office triumph, earning the Academy Award for Best Visual Effects, three Saturn Awards — Best Science Fiction Film, Best Direction for Scott, and Best Supporting Actress for Cartwright — and a Hugo Award for Best Dramatic Presentation.
Alien’s popularity produced a media empire of films, novels, video games, and toys. The story of Sigourney Weaver’s character’s interactions with the alien species served as the conceptual and narrative foundation for the sequels: Aliens (1986), Alien 3 (1992), and Alien Resurrection (1997).
The Alien vs. Predator films were created through a collaboration with the Predator brand, and Scott helmed a two-film prequel series. While the Alien film franchise is not on Netflix, there are various other movies by Scott on the streaming platform.
Here are the top five Ridley Scott movies on Netflix. Note: The availability of these movies on Netflix is based on where you live.
Blade Runner: The Final Cut (1982)
The 1982 science fiction film Blade Runner was directed by Scott and written by Hampton Fancher and David Peoples. It is an adaptation of Philip K. Dick’s 1968 novel Do Androids Dream of Electric Sheep, starring Harrison Ford, Rutger Hauer, Sean Young, and Edward James Olmos.
The film is set in a dystopian future Los Angeles of 2019 when the powerful Tyrell Corporation has bio-engineered synthetic people known as replicants to work on space colonies. When a crew of sophisticated replicants commanded by Roy Batty (Hauer) flees to Earth, burnt-out detective Rick Deckard (Ford) grudgingly agrees to track them down.
As a consequence of controversial alterations sought by studio management, seven separate versions of Blade Runner exist. Following a positive reaction to test screenings of a workprint, a director’s cut was released in 1992.
This, combined with the film’s success as a video rental, made it one of the first films to be released on DVD. The Final Cut, a 25th-anniversary digitally restored version, was released by Warner Bros. in 2007; this is the only version over which Scott kept artistic control.
Gladiator (2000)
Gladiator, directed by Scott and written by David Franzoni, John Logan, and William Nicholson, is a 2000 epic historical drama film. DreamWorks Pictures distributed it in North America, while Universal Pictures distributed it overseas through United International Pictures.
Russell Crowe, Joaquin Phoenix, Connie Nielsen, Tomas Arana, Ralf Möller, Oliver Reed, Djimon Hounsou, Derek Jacobi, John Shrapnel, Richard Harris, and Tommy Flanagan are among the cast members.
Crowe plays Roman commander Maximus Decimus Meridius, who is deceived when Commodus, Emperor Marcus Aurelius’ ambitious son, murders his father and seizes the throne.
Maximus is sold into slavery and becomes a gladiator, rising through the ranks of the arena to avenge the killings of his family and the emperor. Gladiator has been critically reevaluated since its first release.
It is now largely regarded as one of the best films of the 2000s, as well as one of the best historical epics ever filmed. Scott recently stated that work on the sequel, which is set to be published in the United States on November 22, 2024, has begun.
The Counselor (2013)
The Counsellor is a 2013 criminal thriller film directed by Scott and written by Cormac McCarthy. It stars Penélope Cruz, Cameron Diaz, Javier Bardem, and Brad Pitt alongside Michael Fassbender as the titular Counsellor.
In the background of the Mexican drug trade, the film explores issues such as greed, mortality, love, and trust. As the Counsellor, a high-level lawyer, becomes entangled in a cocaine trade near the volatile Ciudad Juarez, Mexico/Texas border area, the extraordinarily violent and ruthless actions of drug gangs are revealed.
The Counsellor was the closing picture of the 2013 Morelia Film Festival, and it also appeared at the Cork Film Festival. The film was released in theatres on October 25, 2013, and is dedicated to Scott’s late brother, Tony.
It garnered mixed reviews and grossed $71 million worldwide on a $25 million budget.
The Martian (2015)
The Martian, directed by Scott and starring Matt Damon, is a 2015 science fiction film. Drew Goddard developed the script from Andy Weir’s 2011 novel of the same name.
The movie recounts an astronaut’s lone fight to live on Mars after being abandoned, as well as NASA’s efforts to rescue him and return him to Earth. Jessica Chastain, Jeff Daniels, Kristen Wiig, Chiwetel Ejiofor, Sean Bean, Michael Pea, Kate Mara, Sebastian Stan, Aksel Hennie, Mackenzie Davis, Donald Glover, and Benedict Wong all appear in the film.
It garnered favorable reviews and earned more than $630 million worldwide, making it Scott’s highest-grossing picture to date and the tenth-highest-grossing film of 2015. The film gained critical acclaim for its directing, visual effects, musical soundtrack, narrative, scientific correctness, and likability.
It was nominated for seven Academy Awards, and it garnered countless additional honors.
All the Money in the World (2017)
Ridley Scott’s 2017 biographical criminal thriller film All the Money in the World is directed by Scott and written by David Scarpa.
Based on John Pearson’s 1995 book Painfully Rich: The Outrageous Fortunes and Misfortunes of J. Paul Getty’s Heirs, it depicts the events surrounding the kidnapping of John Paul Getty III in 1973 and his grandfather’s refusal to cooperate with the kidnappers’ extortion demands.
The title of the movie comes from an early conversation between Gail Harris (Getty III’s mother) and Dante ‘Cinquanta’ Agnana (one of Getty III’s abductors). When Harris states she can’t pay the ransom because she doesn’t have any money, Aganana responds angrily, “Get it from your father-in-law. He has all the money in the world.”
Michelle Williams plays Gail Harris Getty, John Paul Getty III’s mother, Christopher Plummer plays Getty, and Mark Wahlberg plays Fletcher Chase, a Getty family adviser.
On December 18, 2017, the film debuted at the Samuel Goldwyn Theatre in Beverly Hills, followed by a theatrical release in the United States by TriStar Pictures on December 25, 2017. It garnered mostly positive reviews, with many praising the performances, and earned $57 million against a $50 million budget.
Plummer garnered special praise for his performance, and he was nominated for an Academy Award for Best Supporting Actor for his role in the picture.
Entertainment
How Deadite Alyssa Sutherland from ‘Evil Dead’ Transformed Herself from Model to Actress?
The alluring actress Alyssa Sutherland, who just swept the horror community off her feet as the possessed Natalie in “Evil Dead Rise,” has a career trajectory that defies convention. Her career started in the bright lights of the fashion business, not on bloody, gory movie sets. How did this Australian beauty go from walking the haute couture catwalks to facing evil forces on screen?
A Model Start:
The narrative of Sutherland starts in Brisbane, Australia. At an early age, Alyssa Sutherland was discovered in a mall and moved fast through the modeling ranks. Her remarkable physical attributes secured her highly sought-after endorsements for labels such as Bulgari and Ralph Lauren, and she was featured on the pages of esteemed publications like Glamour and Australian Style. Success as a model seemed to be her destiny. But something else gnawed at Sutherland like a spark.
The Need to Take Action:
Although modeling provided a stable income and an opulent lifestyle, Sutherland’s true ambition was to become an actress. She relates, “I had wanted to be an actress… I was doing drama in high school.” This desire was not just a passing fancy for her. She had a deep-rooted passion for acting, which she nurtured even during her modeling days. But as a child growing up in Australia, an acting profession seemed like a far-off ideal. Despite the seeming constraints, Sutherland’s passion for telling tales and taking on personalities remained strong.
The Leap of Faith:
Sutherland took a risky move because she was determined to follow her passion. Despite a successful modeling career, she put off attending college and started her acting profession. There was no denying her skill and commitment. In 2009, she was cast in her debut on-screen part in the short film “The Verge”. Sutherland kept refining her technique and accumulating a filmography demonstrating her range, but this was only the beginning.
Beyond the Runway:
Sutherland’s acting career is a testament to her versatility. She has portrayed powerful female characters in historical dramas such as ‘Vikings’ and the Australian miniseries ‘Janet King,’ and showcased her comedic timing in shows like ‘The Astronaut Wives Club.’ However, it was her venture into the horror genre that truly captivated audiences, demonstrating her ability to excel in a variety of roles.
Unleashing the Deadite:
Sutherland was cast as Natalie in the much-awaited “Evil Dead Rise,” the follow-up to the beloved classic horror film franchise, in 2023. This film was not just another project for her. It was a significant milestone in her career, marking her transition from the basic model to the evil character. It was different from your usual role of the damsel-in-distress. After falling under demonic forces’ control, Natalie becomes a formidable force. Sutherland underwent rigorous physical training and delved deeply into the character’s mind to fully accept the role’s emotional and physical demands. Her status as a rising star in the horror genre was cemented by the positive reviews she received for her performance.
It’s a significant step to have the guts to abandon a successful career to follow one’s passion, but it can be challenging to make that kind of leap in a field where people tend to box artists into their first big success. Sutherland faced constraints on the kinds of parts the business would consider her for rather than misgivings about her ability to transition from modeling to acting. This is how she phrased it:
“I don’t think anyone doubts the ability of models to become actors. The business is not a whole pigeonhole model because I believe plenty have proven themselves. I believe that you struggle with saying, “But she’s too pretty to be a lawyer,” particularly if you’re a woman. She is too gorgeous to be like this. However, we also have Brad Pitt, a very attractive man with a wide range of acting skills. That has proven to be a challenging obstacle for me to conquer, which is why Evil Dead Rise is such a blessing.”
Evil Dead Rise turned out to be a blessing in many ways. Sutherland could not only swing for the fences, get dirty, and deliver one slick one-liner after another in her role as Ellie, but she also got to go big in a place where there was no fear.
Takeaways from the Transformation:
Sutherland’s transformation from model to actor provides insightful inspiration for budding artists. It emphasizes the importance of pursuing your goals, regardless of how unusual they may seem. It exemplifies the strength of commitment and tenacity, especially in the face of early uncertainties and obstacles. More significantly, it illustrates how acting can change people and how it may push limits and alter perceptions.
Alyssa Sutherland’s Future:
With “Evil Dead Rise,” Sutherland’s career is about to soar to even higher levels. She is in high demand as an actress because of her versatility in acting and her ability to play nuanced roles. Whether she’s strutting down the catwalk with style or taking on demons in a fierce manner on screen, Alyssa Sutherland never fails to enthrall viewers and surpass expectations. There’s no telling what terrifyingly fun roles she’ll play in the future, but one thing is certain: nothing.
Entertainment
Small-Town Stories Are Changing the Landscape of Modern Films, Here’s How
In recent years, the film industry has significantly shifted towards stories set in small towns, bringing fresh perspectives and untold narratives to the forefront.
These stories offer a glimpse into the nuanced lives of communities often overlooked in mainstream cinema, challenging audiences to engage with diverse experiences and environments. This movement towards small-town tales is not just a trend but a transformative force in modern filmmaking, reshaping how stories are told and what stories are considered worth telling.
The Rise of the Underdog
One notable example of this shift can be seen in the Possum Trot movie, a film that brings the intricate dynamics of rural life into the limelight. Such movies go beyond mere settings; they delve into the heart and soul of communities, showcasing the strength, resilience, and complexity of people living far from urban sprawl.
This focus on underrepresented locales has broadened the thematic horizons of cinema and democratized storytelling, allowing for more voices and experiences to be heard.
Authentic Representation
Small town stories provide a platform for authentic representation, showcasing the realities of life in these communities. This authenticity resonates with audiences, offering a break from the often-glamorized portrayals of city life in movies. The realness of the characters, their struggles, and their triumphs strike a chord, creating a more inclusive and relatable cinematic experience.
Diverse Storytelling Perspectives
The shift towards small-town narratives has introduced a variety of storytelling perspectives, enriching the film industry with diverse tales that might otherwise remain untold. These stories challenge stereotypes and offer a more nuanced understanding of places and people frequently marginalized or misunderstood in mainstream media.
Innovative Storytelling Techniques
Filmmakers exploring small town stories often employ innovative storytelling techniques to capture the essence of these communities. From unique cinematography that highlights the natural beauty of rural landscapes to narratives that weave together the folklore and traditions of a place, these films push the boundaries of conventional storytelling.
Economic Impact on Small Towns
Interestingly, films set in small towns can have a positive economic impact on the locations where they are shot. They bring attention to lesser-known areas, potentially boosting tourism and local business. This symbiotic relationship between filmmaking and location benefits the art of cinema and the communities that inspire it.
Fostering Community and Connection
Small town stories often center around community, belonging, and connection themes. These universal themes resonate widely, reminding viewers of the importance of human connections and the power of community, regardless of the setting. Films highlighting these aspects can foster a sense of unity and understanding among audiences.
Challenging Mainstream Norms
By bringing small town narratives to the forefront, modern films challenge mainstream norms and expand what is considered worthy of cinematic exploration. This shift not only diversifies the stories seen on screen but also challenges audiences to question and expand their perspectives.
The Future of Small Town Stories in Cinema
As the film industry continues to evolve, the importance of small town stories remains undeniable. These narratives counterbalance the urban-centric tales that dominate cinema, providing a refreshing change of pace and depth. The continued interest in small town stories signifies a broader desire for films that reflect the full spectrum of human experience, promising a future of cinema that is more inclusive, diverse, and representative of our world.
Incorporating small town stories profoundly changes the landscape of modern films. These narratives bring depth, diversity, and authenticity to cinema, challenging conventional storytelling and offering audiences new perspectives on the world.
As filmmakers continue to explore the rich tapestry of life in small communities, we can expect to see a broader, more inclusive representation of human experiences on screen. The shift towards these stories reflects a changing industry and society, which values the stories of all its members, regardless of where they live.
Entertainment
Three True-Crime Documentaries Coming to Netflix in April 2024
Time to snuggle with a cozy blanket and some popcorns!
Netflix has a wide range of TV shows and movies.
Alongside them, Netflix also hosts a lot of documentaries. It has a wide range of documentaries but the true-crime genre is the one that has its audience sitting on the edge of their seats.
There are various true-crime documentaries and docuseries on the platform, including American Nightmare, Girl in the Picture, Jeffrey Epstein: Filthy Rich, Tiger King, and Don’t F**k with Cats: Hunting an Internet Killer, among others.
In April 2024, various documentaries and docuseries are coming to Netflix. However, the three most anticipated true-crime shows are — What Jennifer Did, Crime Scene Berlin: Nightlife Killer, and Files of the Unexplained.
Here is all we know about it.
‘What Jennifer Did’
What Jennifer Did is an upcoming documentary directed by Jenny Popplewell, the creator of another famous Netflix documentary, American Murder: The Family Next Door.
What Jennifer Did digs into the frightening story of Jennifer Pan, who plotted to murder her parents. The crime, disguised as a heist gone wrong, unravels through police interrogation film and interviews, showing Pan’s network of lies leading up to the incident.
Pan is a Canadian woman who was convicted of a 2010 kill-for-hire attack on her parents, which killed her mother and injured her father. The crime occurred at the Pan house in Unionville, Markham, Ontario, in the Greater Toronto Area.
According to her exact account, several gunmen entered the house, forcefully retrained her and her parents, then shot them. Her father, Huei Hann, was sent to the hospital, and her mother, Bich Ha, died instantaneously.
A whole new image appears as the law enforcement personnel piece together the facts. Pan plotted the entire operation with her drug dealer boyfriend, Daniel Wong, whom her parents had forbidden her from dating.
This motivated her to seek his help and devise a plan to murder her parents. This threatening notion was carried out in the form of a burglary, with Pan as the victim. The documentary will also concentrate on her arrest and the legal processes.
What Jennifer Did will be released on April 10, 2024.
‘Crime Scene Berlin: Nightlife Killer’
As the name of the documentary suggests, Crime Scene Berlin: Nightlife Killer is based on true events that occurred in Berlin. The series examines the case of several odd and unusual killings.
In 2012, three guys were murdered and robbed in Berlin after being unintentionally drugged. While the murderer was called ‘The Darkroom Murderer’ at the time, just one occurred in a dark room at a homosexual bar in Berlin.
‘Crime Scene Berlin: Nightlife Killer’ will be released on April 3, 2024. (Source: Netflix)
However, the murderer did look for guys in and around the city’s party scene to prey on victims. Only when one of his targets survived his attack and the assassin attempted to purchase a train ticket with one of the deceased men’s credit cards did the inquiry begin to narrow.
Jan Zabeil and Caroline Schaper directed this true crime show and Netflix will begin streaming the series on April 3, 2024.
‘Files of the Unexplained’
Files of the Unexplained is an upcoming terrifying eight-episode docu-series that talks about strange encounters, weird disappearances, disturbing incidents, the mystery of mutilated feet washing up, and more.
This investigative documentary series examines genuine stories that defy explanations and talk about witnessing weird encounters and strange events.
Files of the Unexplained kind of dives into a similar area as its previous documentaries like Unsolved Mysteries, Haunted, and 28 Days Haunted. According to its plot on Netflix, the series is described as “Eerie encounters, bizarre disappearances, haunting events, and more perplexing phenomena are explored in this chilling investigative docuseries.”
The docuseries will be released on April 3, 2024.
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