Ridley Scott defended the Republican tax overhaul during an interview about his new film, saying the bill will result in business owners reinvesting and generating economic growth.
The topic came up as the legendary movie director spoke to the Denver Post about his latest movie, "All The Money In The World," which is based on the true story of a kidnapping in Italy in the 1970s.
"There’s a lot [sic] commentary in this film about the value of human life, class struggles and the role of wealth in society," interviewer John Wenzel said. "Do you think there’s anything to be learned from it at this moment in America?"
"Well, let’s take the tax bill," Scott said. "People say (Republicans) are doing it for the wealthy class. What they forget is if you get a clever, un-selfish business person—I don’t care if it’s a corner store or a big business—who’s suddenly saving 15 percent, they’ll put it back in this business."
"Then you’re going to get growth and therefore (people) will get employed," Scott added. "My concern is with the elderly, the infirm and the youth who need to have chances and shots for every level, and equality in education. But you have to use it. You have to get your (expletive) head down and use it."
President Donald Trump signed the Tax Cuts and Jobs Act into law last week. The bill, which was passed with only Republican support in the Congress, lowered the corporate tax rate from 35 to 21 percent, in addition to cutting individual rates and repealing the individual mandate of the Affordable Care Act.
Democrats have characterized the $1.5 trillion tax cut as favoring the wealthy and increasing the national debt, while Republicans say the overhaul will pay for itself with booming economic growth.
Scott is in his fifth decade as a director. His works include "Alien," "Blade Runner," "Gladiator," and "The Martian."