In everyday film production language, a "take" refers to an attempt at recording a scene or sequence. When someone says they have done 90 takes on a single shot, it suggests that there has been significant difficulty in capturing what was envisioned in just one or even several attempts. This literal interpretation highlights the inefficiency and potential issues arising from excessive retakes.
Delving deeper into this quote, Ridley Scott is likely commenting on the broader concept of perfectionism and its consequences in filmmaking. Performing numerous takes can stem from a desire for absolute perfection, which often backfires by draining creativity and resources. The sentiment implies that if someone requires 90 attempts to achieve their vision, it might not be a technical or artistic challenge but rather an indication of underlying issues such as indecision, lack of clarity in direction, or an unrealistic expectation of flawlessness. This perspective encourages filmmakers to balance meticulousness with practicality and maintain creative momentum.
Ridley Scott, the renowned British filmmaker, is known for directing critically acclaimed films like "Blade Runner" and "Alien." His quote reflects his extensive experience in the industry and his insightful observations on the filmmaking process. Scott's pragmatic approach towards production efficiency and artistic integrity underscores the wisdom behind his statement about excessive takes.
