British director Sir Ridley Scott has claimed technology which allows people to watch films on mobile phones and computer screens is killing cinema.
"We try to do films which are in support of cinema, in a large room with good sound and a big picture. But we"re fighting technology. While it has been wonderful in many aspects, it also has some big negative downsides," Sir Ridley told reporters. The director was among a host of stars attending the Venice Film Festival.
The film-maker, whose credits include Gladiator, Thelma and Louise, and Alien, was at the annual Italian event to introduce a digitally remastered version of 1982 cult classic Blade Runner. The 69-year-old, whose new film - American Gangster - is released in November, also took a swipe at Hollywood studios.
"I think movies are getting dumber, actually. Where it used to be 50/50, now it"s 3% good, 97% stupid. I"m not criticising Hollywood because I work there. But I"m saying this is the way it is, commerce is taking over art."