Gladiator 2star Paul Mescal reveals his favorite Ridley Scott movie –Thelma & Louise. Rising to fame for his role in the Hulu miniseriesNormal People, for which he earned an Emmy nomination, Mescal transitioned to film and his portrayal of a troubled father in A24’sAftersunearned him an Academy Award nomination. He’s due for an even bigger breakthrough with his leading role asLucius inGladiator IIfrom Ridley Scott, the legendary director behindAlien,Blade Runner, the originalGladiator, and over 20 more movies.
During an interview withBritish GQ,Paul Mescal revealed his favorite Ridley Scott movie –Thelma & Louise. TheGladiator 2star says the 1991 film might not seem like it aligns with the director’s typical style, but once he got to know him personally, it became clear it was a story he always meant to tell. Read Mescal’s full comments or watch the video below (the relevant section begins at 7:42):
My personal favorite actually is “Thelma & Louise,” I have such a soft spot for that film, and I think it’s something that, like, knowing Ridley and getting to love Ridley, it’s like… He’s such an enigma in that, like, if you didn’t know that he directed it, if… Like, you wonder where it fits into his filmography, but it’s so clear when you know him that this is a story that he always had to tell.
What Thelma & Louise Being Paul Mescal’s Favorite Ridley Scott Movie Means
He’s Well-Versed In The Director’s Filmography
Thelma & Louise, directed by Ridley Scott and written by Callie Khouri, is a 1991 crime drama that follows the two titular friends, a homemaker and a waitress, who set off on a road trip that spirals out of control after they commit a crime of passion and are pursued by the police. Susan Sarandon and Geena Davis lead the cast alongside Harvey Keitel, Michael Madsen, Christopher McDonald, andBrad Pitt in his first major movie.Thelma & Louisewas a massive critical and commercial success, receiving six Oscar nominations and becoming a landmark feminist film.
Every Paul Mescal Movie, Ranked
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Mescal namesThelma & Louiseas his favoriteRidley Scott movie, which may come as a surprise given the director’s filmography, which includes more epic and action-driven films. Mescal highlights the contrast between the movie’s content and Scott’s usual style, noting that if you didn’t know he directed it, you might not immediately recognize it as part of his filmography. However, Mescal suggests that, after knowing Scott personally, it became clear thatThelma & Louisealigns with his storytelling sensibilities in a deeper way.Mescal’s comments reflect his insight into Scott’s artistic rangeand enigmatic nature.
Our Take On Thelma & Louise Being Paul Mescal’s Favorite Ridley Scott Movie
It’s An Unexpected, But Telling Choice For The Actor
Mescal pickingThelma & Louiseas his favorite Ridley Scott film is an unexpected, but telling choice for the actor. While the director is more renowned for grand epics likeGladiator, which won Best Picture in 2001, Mescal’s preference for the more intimateroad trip movieshowcases his appreciation for complex character dynamics.Mescal values nuanced storytelling, which significantly informs his acting and choice of roles. His admiration for Scott’s range also hints at a deeper connection with the director, which could bode well for his portrayal of Lucius inGladiator 2, where emotional depth is key.
Thelma & Louise
Cast
Thelma & Louise is a 1991 drama directed by Ridley Scott, featuring Geena Davis as Thelma and Susan Sarandon as Louise. The film follows the journey of two friends on a road trip that spirals into unexpected and intense circumstances, challenging their friendship and transforming their lives. Brad Pitt makes an early appearance in a supporting role, helping to cement the film’s enduring legacy.
