The whole world suffered a tragic loss on Sunday morning when director Anthony (also known as Tony) Scott committed suicide. On August 19, at the age of 68, Tony leapt off the Vincent Thomas Bridge in Los Angeles, which is a 185-foot drop to the waters of the Los Angeles Harbor. As soon as word began to spread about Tony's death, many reports surfaced all claiming that Tony had been suffering from incurable brain cancer and so he had decided not to suffer any longer. Yet, this seemed very unlikely considering the fact that Tony did not appear to have any health problems since he had just completed a film starring Christian Bale, as well as recently producing Prometheus, a film directed by his own brother, Ridley Scott. However, several days after such reports began to circle, Tony's family stepped up and denied the reports that stated Tony had been suffering from cancer.
Many witnesses claim to have observed Tony climb onto the bridge, but from the angel they had been standing, the onlookers could not recognize the director and so they merely thought that Tony was some sort of stunt person participating in an extreme sport dare.
A witness, David Silva observed that Tony appeared to be nervous before jumping off the bridge, but at last did it, which left him, along with others, completely stunned as soon they realized Tony was no stunt actor wearing a parachute. A call to 911 was immediately placed at around noon, and hours later, his body was retrieved from the water by the Los Angeles Port Police.
It was also revealed that Tony had left a suicide note at his desk in work and multiple letters all addressed to family and friends.
Tony Scott was a famous director for creating great action-packed blockbusters that immediately captivated the audience's attention. He was the master mind behind the unforgettable film , Top Gun, as well as a producer for hit tv shows like The Good Wife.
This article was very important to me because it hit another close spot to my heart. It was not that long ago that my brother and I sat down together in our living room to watch Top Gun. I remember how we kept exclaiming over Tom Cruise's first movies as well as his young age because it had surprised us both. But in spite of the star that was Tom Cruise, I felt more drawn to another character in the film: the best friend of Cruise's character. For some reason, I felt more drawn to him and his personality which made me enjoy the movie even more. So when I first heard of this article, I was left speechless because I could not believe that the director behind creating one of the most memorable characters for me was gone. I know death cannot be stopped, yet I did not expect Tony to rush toward it either....it seemed unfair.
As a student, this piece of news did not impact me, but as a future filmmaker it did, yet not the way I would have expected it to. As a future filmmaker, I would think that most news relating to the media industry would affect me in the manner of technical revelations connected with matters behind the camera. Yet, this information, this heartbreaking story, tapped into my emotional side as a filmmaker, rather than the strict business-like behalf. I understand that as a future filmmaker, I will have numerous opportunities to meet all sorts of new people, all with the same passion for film, and develop strong relationships and long-lasting friendships. So by doing so, I could encounter people like Tony Scott, maybe work with someone like him, only to learn that years later, that very same person, that beloved friend, took his/her life. This would clearly affect me in a more emotional level instead of impacting the filmmaker in me.
As a consumer, this news affected me because now I know either my brother or I will go out and buy a hard copy of Top Gun to preserve the memory of Tony Scott and remember all of his accomplishments and contributions to the film industry.
By reading this article, several questions popped into my mind immediately. I wonder what his family thinking right now....how are they handling this unforseen tradegy? Did they ever suspect Tony would ever do something like this, considering the fact that he barely finished another of his films? I also ponder what his colleagues are saying and thinking....if they could have done something by helping him out in some way.
Wow! Leave it to the press to make false claims that he had brain cancer. Although I'm not familiar with many of Tony Scott's movies I do feel we have lost an important person in the film industry that we may never be able to replace.
ReplyDeleteI hate how reporters and the media in general will make anything up just to have an explanation to everything. It is bad enough that Tony Scott committed suicide without any apparent reason. But no, the media was not satisfied with that. They had to make up an illness that Scott clearly did not have. Actually, the first I heard about this news was on the radio. I was on the way to school one day and heard about his suicide. I wondered why he would commit suicide. He was such a successful director and as far as I know, he has a pretty good family behind him. I guess there are just some things that cannot be explained. Any reason Scott had for committing suicide died with him and was probably written in the notes he left to those closest to his heart.
ReplyDeleteI feel that each director has their own unique style, so I agree with Spencer that Tony Scott will be missed and un-replaceable.
ReplyDeleteThe media seems to always say things to catch people's attention so maybe that's why they said he had brain cancer. Tabloids will always be waiting for something.
Hopefully, from this, he will be remembered through his movies and successes rather than the stigma that usually follows suicide.