Francis Ford Coppola Instagram – I first became aware of Ridley Scott with his film THE DUELLISTS. I was impressed, and realizing he was my contemporary began following his work, which was prodigious to say the least. One after the other, different styles, themes — all ambitious and never stopping, absolutely great films like BLADE RUNNER, THELMA & LOUISE, ALIEN, and BLACK HAWK DOWN. I realize he has been knighted for his extraordinary work, but he should be given a Dukedom for such outstanding quality output. I never really got to meet him, aside from a few phone calls arranging the bargain sale of the neon sets from my own ONE FROM THE HEART, which live on forever in his unforgettable BLADE RUNNER. Ridley’s MATCHSTICK MEN featured another great performance from our own Nicolas Cage! Sir Ridley is actually a couple of years older than me, yet his amazing productivity remains with films like THE LAST DUEL and an upcoming sequel to GLADIATOR.  There have been rare artists who astounded everyone with their best work while in their eighties, like Giuseppe Verdi, but we must take our hats off to Ridley. I am excited to see his new film in IMAX, NAPOLEON, and have no doubt it is spectacular!