Acclaimed director Tony Scott died around 12:30Pm on August 19, 2012. Scott committed suicide by leaping from the Vincent Thomas Bridge in Los Angeles, California; his body was recovered later that day. Reports say that he suffered from inoperable brain cancer at the time of his death. His car, which was parked on the bridge, contained several letters for family members. According to Associated Press, a suicide note was found in his office.
Body of Work
No doubt, the many obituaries and news reports following his death will mention the works that Scott is most known for. Most will remember Tony Scott for directing 80’s blockbuster “Top Gun”, starring Tom Cruise. Scott is also well known for his additional collaboration with Tom Cruise, “Days of Thunder”.
Scott’s impressive directorial credits also include “The Hunger”, “Beverly Hills Cop II”, “The Last Boyscout”, “True Romance, “Crimson Tide”, “The Fan”, “Enemy of the State”, and “Man on Fire”. “True Romance” was the film that launched the career of director Quentin Tarantino, by providing him a paycheck for his screenplay. Tony Scott has directed some of the world’s best actors and entertainers, David Bowie, Susan Sarandon, Eddie Murphy, Bruce Willis, Damon Wayans, Christian Slater, Christopher Walken, Dennis Hopper, Will Smith, Denzel Washington, Patricia Arquette, and even the legendary James brown (in a short film for BMW films). Watch “Beat the Devil”, here.
Collaboration
Tony Scott co-owned and ran production company Scott Free with his older brother Ridley Scott. Ridley Scott is best known for launching the “Alien” franchise, and directing Russell Crowe blockbuster “Gladiator”. The brothers collaborated on many projects together, behind the camera and as producers. Scott Free productions produced the popular CBS drama “Numb3rs”. Most recently, their production company released Ridley Scott’s “Alien” prequel “Prometheus”.
Missed by the Industry
“No more Tony Scott movies. Tragic day”, tweeted director Ron Howard on the night Scott passed away. Roger Ebert had this to say on Twitter, “The death of Tony Scott is shocking and saddening. He was an inspired craftsman.” Film critic Richard Roeper tweeted, “Most of the obits for Tony Scott will mention “Top Gun” first, but my favorite will always be “True Romance.” RIP.”
Joe Capristo has written several articles about film on Yahoo! Movies. His favorite Tony Scott film is “The Hunger”.
