Who is Ridley Scott? The director of Blade Runner, Gladiator, Hannibal and the controversial forthcoming Kingdom of Heaven, Ridley Scott is one of cinema's most accomplished visual stylists.

His films have included the phenomenally successful Blade Runner, a film which flopped in 1982 but has since become a cinematic touchstone for visions of the future, and the fatally flawed Legend, his attempt to create a dark fairy tale, compromised by production problems and studio interference. His cult movies (visceral creature feature Alien, Blade Runner and Legend) are his most talked about films, but Scott branched out to tackle a series of thrillers, before hitting Oscar gold with the controversial feminist road movie, Thelma & Louise.

Acclaimed for the visual depth of his films, Scott has often been criticised for not giving enough attention to his characters or his stories. Attempts to chart history in 1492: Conquest of Paradise and tell a true story in White Squall were not successful, but Scott triumphantly returned to form with Gladiator, his blood-soaked, blockbusting retelling of the rise and fall of the Roman Empire.

So what's in this Pocket Essential? As well as an introductory essay, the making of each of Ridley Scott's visually sumptuous films is chronicled, complete with information on the inspiration for each film and the reaction of critics and audiences. There are also detailed accounts of the Ridley Scott projects which did not make it to the big screen. Not only that, but there's a handy reference section listing other books about Ridley Scott, interesting web sites and availability of his films.

Greatly expanded and fully updated, this new edition of the Pocket Essential Ridley Scott covers everything you need to know about this remarkable filmmaker.