Elizabeth Jean Scott is seen in the Brad Pitt film Spy Game, If you have ever seen the film, you might as well notice the touching dedication to Elizabeth Jeans Scott in the end credit.
Without her, the movie would have never been made, therefore she definitely deserves the homage.
Scott was a mother who had experienced the worst of human nature but forged ahead to serve as an example for her children via her fortitude and bravery.
Elizabeth Jean Scott: Who is She?
Elizabeth Louise Scott is the oldest child of radiologist Dr. Sebastian Scott. She was born on November 17, 1915, in St. Marylebone, London. While attending the Isle of Wight’s Upper Chine School, Scott received a scholarship at the Royal Academy of Dramatic Art.
This opportunity led her to embark on a short yet prosperous career in both stage and film acting.
Elizabeth Louise Scott resembled famous actresses like Veronica Lake (1922–1973), Lana Turner (1921–1995), and Lizabeth Scott. With her blonde and sultry beauty, she was born in 1922.
Interestingly, Elizabeth Louise Scott’s striking resemblance to filmmaker Ridley Scott’s mother, Elizabeth Jean Scott (1906–2001), often leads to confusion between the two.
In 1937, Scott joined Denham Film Studios and acted in movies like The Case of the Frightened Lady (1957) and Rembrandt (1936) produced by Alexander Korda in 1940.
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Her second noir film, Fingers, was shot at Warner Brothers Teddington Studios in London, where she played the second leading lady in 1941.
Although she had a contract with Warner Brothers in Hollywood, the II World War prevented her from traveling to California.
After getting married to Graham Hoare, Scott became part of the BBC Drama Repertory Company and continued until she gave birth to her children.
Following the war, Scott and her husband took over Watts & Company, a textile and wallpaper business. She had a passion for collecting discarded embroidery from monasteries and cathedrals, which she had been doing for years.
In 1992, Elizabeth Louise Scott’s collection was received by her uncle, Giles Gilbert Scott, the architect who built Liverpool Cathedral.
Tony Scott and Ridley Scott, both renowned film directors, were raised by their mother, Elizabeth Jean Scott. Her name was included in the credits of the movie Spy Game, directed by Tony Scott.
The director of Spy Game decided to dedicate the film to Tony Scott’s mother since she passed away in 2001 while the movie was still in production.
Similarly, Ridley Scott also dedicated his 2001 film Black Hawk Down to their mother. Elizabeth Jean Scott lived a long life, being born in 1906 and passing away at the age of 95.
Elizabeth Jean Scott Experience the Development of Modern American Culture
She had the unique experience of witnessing the continuous development of modern American culture, observing the rapid pace of change in the country.
In an interview, Tony Scott expressed that his parents ensured he and his siblings had a delightful childhood.
Throughout the II World War, Elizabeth Jean Scott resided in the Ealing neighborhood of West London, facing the challenges of wartime.
During the war, the Scott family was right in the middle of the chaos when the bombs began to fall.
After the destruction caused by the war, they relocated to the Lake District and eventually settled in North Shields, leaving behind their ruined town.
Once the aftermath of the II World War settled, Francis Scott took the family to Germany, where they lived and worked until they could afford to return to England.
After gathering the necessary funds, Francis Scott secured a job as the docks manager at Stockton-on-Tees.
The children cherished fond memories of working on the docks, as the entire family became actively engaged in the business.
Tony Scott admiringly describes his mother as firm, dignified, and devoted. She consistently motivated her children to give their best in everything they pursued, instilling in the Scott brothers the strong work ethic that led to their success.
Tony and Ridley Scott Are Related to One Another?
The answer is yes, Ridley Scott and Tony Scott were brothers. Ridley Scott was the second eldest sibling, six years older than Tony.
During their childhood, Tony and Ridley Scott formed a strong bond, as they grew up in financially challenging circumstances. Their connection remained strong throughout their lives.
The younger Scott brothers took after their imaginative and supportive mother in terms of their artistic talents.
On the other hand, their father, Francis Scott, shared more similarities with their older brother Frank Scott. He later joined the Merchant Marine but sadly passed away from cancer at the age of 45.
During their upbringing, both Ridley Scott and Tony were not particularly good students as they preferred engaging in extracurricular activities.
Tony Scott admits that he focused more on painting, drawing, and playing rugby, and as a result, he barely managed to finish school.
Ridley Encouraged his Younger Brother to Study Art
It was Ridley Scott who encouraged his younger brother to pursue studies in the arts, as he himself was a talented photographer and filmmaker.
Their father was puzzle by their decision to attend art school and questions why they were spending time and money on it, but their mother was supportive and understanding of their educational choices.
Tony Scott faced rejection in his first attempt to get into art school, while Ridley Scott later enrolled at the Royal College of Art in London. Ridley helped his brother by giving him a role in one of his early films, which boosted Tony’s resume.
Indeed, Tony Scott returned the favor to Ridley by making the short film “One of the Missing,” which was based on a short story written by Ambrose Bierce.
Throughout their lives and careers, Ridley Scott and Tony Scott were each other’s greatest supporters. They encouraged and motivated each other in every endeavor they pursued. Their relationship was characterize by mutual support and encouragement.
What Has Ridley Scott Been Known for?
Ridley Scott’s 1979 science-fiction movie “Alien” is what he is best known for. It had a profound impact on how people perceived science fiction and its blending with horror.
Through his innovative set designs and daring lens choices, Ridley Scott brought a revolutionary approach to filmmaking. In “Alien,” Sigourney Weaver portrayed Ripley, the sole survivor of a crew that encountered a mysterious distress signal in outer space.
However, instead of finding help, they faced the terrifying Xenomorph, one of the most iconic alien creatures in film history. The success of “Alien” led to numerous sequels and expanded into various media, including horror video games, turning it into a franchise.
While Ridley Scott directed several successful movies, “Alien” remains the one that is most remembered and celebrated.
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In 1982, Ridley Scott directed the science fiction movie “Blade Runner,” featuring Harrison Ford, known for his roles in Star Wars and Indiana Jones. The film became a cult classic and is considered some of Ford’s best work, beloved by audiences for many years.
In 1991, Ridley Scott released “Thelma & Louise,” a movie that marked a change in his style. Starring Susan Sarandon and Geena Davis as best friends on the run from the police, the film was more subdue compare to his earlier works, even though it retains some action elements.
“Gladiator,” released in the 2000s, was Scott’s first film of the new decade. Starring Russell Crowe as Maximus, the title character, it garnered critical acclaim. Shortly after, in 2001, he directed the sequel to “The Silence of the Lambs” called “Hannibal.”
In 2007, Ridley Scott collaborated with Russell Crowe again, along with Denzel Washington, Chiwetel Ejiofor, and Josh Brolin, for the movie “American Gangster.”
More recently, Ridley Scott found success with the criminal drama “House of Gucci,” featuring Lady Gaga, Adam Driver, and Al Pacino in prominent roles. The movie is well-receive by audiences.
Steps Tony Scott Took to Emulate His Brother’s Behavior
Tony Scott had immense admiration for his brother Ridley and considered him not only a mentor but also a great brother. Their strong friendship filled Tony with pride, and he looked up to Ridley as a role model, drawing creative inspiration from him.
While Tony aspired to attend the same university as his brother, he felt he wasn’t quite good enough and pursued cinema studies in Leeds instead.
By the time Tony completed his eight years of art school, Ridley had already founded Ridley Scott Associates. Tony got the opportunity to work as a commercial director there, just like his brother had done before him. For the following 15 years, Tony produced ads every day.
Tony Scott later realized that his experience in directing commercials was instrumental in shaping his successful filmmaking career. His first major project was “The Hunger,” a movie starring David Bowie as a vampire.
In 1986, Tony Scott had his breakthrough moment as a filmmaker when he directed “Top Gun” with Tom Cruise and Kelly McGillis. The movie not only inspired future generations of fans but also became a massive box office success, grossing over $350 million worldwide.
In the following year, Ridley Scott was given the opportunity to direct the sequel to Beverly Hills Cop, starring the talented comedic actor Eddie Murphy. Beverly Hills Cop II showcased Scott’s versatility in handling different types of movies.
In 1990, he directed the film “Revenge,” featuring Madeleine Stowe and Kevin Costner. The story revolves around a Navy pilot who visits a crime boss friend and becomes involved with the friend’s wife.
Once again collaborating with Tom Cruise, Tony Scott directed the action-packed movie “Days of Thunder” in 1990. This film also marked Nicole Kidman’s breakthrough performance in her acting career.
How His Mother Inspired Ridley Scott
Elizabeth Jean Scott played a significant role in shaping her children’s lives, providing them with a strong foundation for their futures.
Ridley Scott found inspiration for his powerful female characters in his movies by looking to his mother. She was a dedicated mother who encouraged her children to always strive for their best.
Growing up, Ridley Scott and his siblings knew they had to be on their best behavior, as their mother didn’t tolerate any nonsense.
The strict upbringing they experienced might have contributed to the success of Ridley Scott’s older brother, Frank Scott, in the Marines.
Although their mother was stern, she also showed a great deal of care and kindness towards her children, leaving no doubts about her love for them.
Ridley Scott draws inspiration from his mother’s ability to efficiently handle daily family affairs and get things ready when creating strong female characters in his movies. She instilled in them a tenacious work ethic, ensuring they never displayed laziness.
Throughout Ridley Scott’s films, we can see a reflection of these qualities in powerful female characters like Ripley, Thelma and Louise, Jordan O’Neill, Marguerite de Carrouges, and more recently, Patrizia Reggiani. These characters are a testament to the impact his mother’s example had on his storytelling.
What Caused Tony Scott’s Death?
On August 12, 2012, a passerby in San Pedro, California witnessed a man falling to his death from the Vincent Thomas Bridge at 12:30 p.m. The witness immediately called 911, and the Los Angeles Port Police arrived at the scene. The man who fell turned out to be Tony Scott, the renowned director.
In his office, a message was found by a friend that supported the police’s belief that he had committed suicide. The message was address to his family and contained their names and contact information.
Upon hearing the news of Tony Scott’s passing, several actors who had worked with him paid tribute to his talent and persona while expressing their sorrow. The film industry mourned the loss of this influential director.
During this difficult period, the Scott family, including his wife, kids, and brother, experienced hardship. Former coworkers who had worked with Tony Scott described him as caring, enthusiastic, and possessing a larger-than-life personality.
When you spoke with him, you could see how he had the ability to transform mundane stories into delighting adventures.
The film industry meant a great deal to Tony Scott, not only as a source of success but also as a way to honor his mother. It was on set that he met Donna Wilson, who played a character with the same name in “Days of Thunder.”
Just as his elder brother had mentored him, Tony Scott spent his entire career in the film business mentoring and supporting other filmmakers and actors.
His close friends fondly remember the handwritten letters he used to send them, often signing them with a crude drawing of himself puffing on a cigar.
They will also miss seeing him wearing his worn-out red baseball cap on any occasion, whether it be a day of shooting or a red-carpet event.
What is Ridley Scott Currently Doing?
Since the passing of his mother and brother, Ridley Scott has rarely spoken about his family. Despite being in his 80s and being the last surviving member of his immediate family, he keeps himself busy by working on various projects.
Two of Ridley Scott’s recent productions, “The Last Duel” and “House of Gucci,” have received high praise from both critics and viewers.
“The Last Duel” is a historical drama in which Matt Damon’s character, Sir Jean de Carrouges, is sent to fight Jacques Le Gris, portrayed by Adam Driver, on behalf of King Charles VI, played by Alex Lawther. The cast also includes Ben Affleck, Jodie Comer, Harriet Walter, Oliver Cotton, and William Houston, all of whom have collaborated with Ridley Scott frequently.
The filming of “The Last Duel” took place in both France and Ireland, providing picturesque backdrops for different portions of the movie.
In 2021, Ridley Scott has been particularly busy, not only releasing the contentious drama “House of Gucci,” featuring Adam Driver and an all-star ensemble, but also several other works as a director.
The narrative of the movie revolves around Patrizia Reggiani’s marriage to the Gucci family. The story explores how betrayal and retaliation tear the Gucci family apart, leading to tragic consequences, including murder. Patrizia’s ambitious attitude greatly influences the course of events and challenges everything they have achieved.
Since its premiere, both the engaging plot and the stellar performances of the actors have received widespread acclaim from viewers. Lady Gaga’s portrayal has showcased her versatility beyond singing and producing songs, earning her praise from audiences.
Despite the film’s popularity with fans, the real-life Gucci family has not been happy with its depiction. However, Ridley Scott, the director, has shown that he is unbothered by their opinions and remains confident in his work.
The Gucci Family Versus Ridley Scott
The Gucci family expresses their dissatisfaction with how they were portray in Ridley Scott’s film, “House of Gucci.” Aldo Gucci’s heirs promptly issued a statement in response to the movie.
The family stated that they were deeply upset by the film because it presented events inaccurately and did not reflect how things actually happened.
They particularly disliked the fact that the production team did not consult them or accurately depict the behavior of each family member.
In their statement to the Italian news agency ANSA, they also reminds the public that the real-life Patrizia Reggiani was guilty of involvement in the murder of her husband, Maurizio Gucci.
Ridley Scott, the director of the film “House of Gucci,” chose not to engage in conversations with the Gucci family because the story he directed was based on publicly available material.
To add drama to the movie, Scott made certain alterations to the story, which he acknowledges. One of these changes involved portraying Patrizia Reggiani as being poorer than she actually was.
In contrast to the movie, the real Rodolfo Gucci did not believe that the Reggiani family business was associate with the Italian Mafia.
Additionally, Reggiani never had a job, and she did not meet her spouse at work. She openly admitted that she had never worked before and had no intention of doing so when offered a sentence reduction if she got a job.
Regarding the wedding, Ridley Scott was accurate in depicting that no one from Maurizio Gucci’s immediate family attended. However, the wedding was not entirely one-side, as his father attempts to persuade the archbishop to forbid it.
Despite their dissatisfaction with the film’s portrayal, the Gucci family has not taken any legal action yet. They have stated their commitment to preserving the memories of their ancestors.
The Scott Brothers Honoring their Mother
Indeed, Elizabeth Jean Scott played a significant role in shaping the careers of her sons, Ridley Scott and Tony Scott. Without her encouragement and support for their creative pursuits, iconic films like “Alien,” “Top Gun,” “Blade Runner,” “Crimson Tide,” “Unstoppable,” “The Martian,” “Prometheus,” and “House of Gucci” might not have come to fruition.
As the last surviving member of his immediate family, Ridley Scott continues to honor and improve the Scott family heritage in a way that few individuals can do for their own families.
Despite the passing of his brothers, parents, and grandparents, Ridley Scott shows no signs of slowing down or giving up. He remains dedicated to his work and continues to contribute to the film industry.
Thank you for sharing this informative content, and I hope others find inspiration from the incredible journey of Ridley Scott and his family.
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