Ridley Scott: "I like to keep moving"

Even in Hollywood's high pressure environment, Oscar-winning film director Sir Ridley Scott has achieved a great deal.

He has made some of the most acclaimed movies of the past two decades, including the Academy Award-winning Gladiator.

But despite also being knighted in 2002 for his contribution to the movie world, Scott says he has many more tricks up his sleeve.

"I am about half way there with what I want to do," Scott told BBC Breakfast News on Thursday.

"I am very careful about what I develop so I already know what I am doing in 2005 and 2006 and I am starting something in 2004."

'True comedian'

Scott's planned approach to his work has led to a deliberately eclectic body of work.

It includes road movie Thelma and Louise, horror hit Hannibal and science fiction films Blade Runner and Alien.

Nicolas Cage's character is obsessed with cleanliness

With his latest venture Matchstick Men Starring Nicolas Cage, Scott has again explored new territory. The film is Scott's first truly humorous project.

"I saw it as comedy and I like to keep moving and changing my direction in terms of the work I do," Scott added.

"It was taken from a very clever three-act play that I found very comedic. The first choice was Nick because I had worked with him and he is a true comedian."

Cage plays one of a two small-time crooks and his character is also obsessed with cleanliness.

"Quickly find out that the disorder is driven by his guilt," Scott explained. "The fact that he feels guilty about his job makes you start to like him."

Matchstick Men was warmly received at the Venice Film Festival. But Scott does not care much about what critics think, he said.

"As you get further down the road you have to become your own critic.

"I know what I have done and I am very pragmatic. I can step back and look at it like a painting.

"Mostly I am quite happy. That sounds conceited but I'm too pragmatic to be like that."