Napoleon is an upcoming historical epic directed and produced by Ridley Scott and written by David Scarpa. The film stars Joaquin Phoenix as Napoleon and depicts the French leader’s rise to power. The pre-production for Napoleon began in January 2021 and the filming commenced a year ago in February 2022, while the first trailer debuted back in July 2023. Napoleon reunites Phoenix and director Ridley Scott two decades after Gladiator which starred Phoenix as the main antagonist. We can sense that the film is bound to be a huge critical and commercial success, however, it seems like Historians are already having their fair share of issues with the film.
Napoleon Director Ridley Scott Responds to Historical Criticisms
As you may know, over the past few months, Napoleon started circulating the film festival circuits and even though the reception seems largely positive, many have pointed out historical inaccuracies in the film. These criticisms made primarily by TV historian Dan Snow include how Napoleon didn’t shoot at the pyramids. The film’s trailer depicted the event during a peek at Scott’s interpretation of the Battle of Pyramids. Another criticism stated that Marie Antoinette famously had very cropped hair for the execution, and Napoleon wasn’t there. However, the trailer shows Marie Antoinette with long, frizzy locks.
As it happens, Ridley Scott decided to respond to these criticisms in a recent interview with The New Yorker. He simply suggested the historians who pointed out these inaccuracies to “Get a life”. Obviously, fans were surprised by this comment and while some of them responded with memes, some called him out. Here, check out some of these fans reactions below. Previously, Joaquin Phoenix also stated that, “If you want to really understand Napoleon, then you should probably do your own studying and reading. Because if you see this film, it’s this experience told through Ridley’s eyes.”
Much like Gladiator, Scott’s focus in Napoleon seems to be more on delivering a compelling film with a standout performances rather than being a history lesson. Also, as far as history is concerned, Scott went on to explain that, “ How do you know, were you there?’ There are 400 books written about him (Napoleon). Maybe the first one was the most accurate, the next one is already doing a version of the author. By the time you get to book 399, guess what, there’s a lot of speculation.” Here, check out some of these fans reactions below.
IMO if Ridley doesn't want his movie to be analyzed from a historical perspective, maybe he shouldn't make a movie about historical figures/events. Sometimes little historical inaccuracies are fine but it's a different matter if there are big inaccuracies and this is the response
— Fortzon (@fortzon) November 6, 2023
The myth that Napoleon was short that was pushed by the British for a long time and still endures to this day is all the proof you need that if you repeat a lie often enough people will believe it
And that's why you must try to avoid historical inaccuracies in movies https://t.co/vyVM7cSZGr
— Moon Dragon💀 (@frozenaesthetic) November 7, 2023
Geez, that's quite the most brutal response coming from Ridley. Like damn.😂
— Liam Phibian (@rootwil000) November 6, 2023
I trust Ridley to deliver a good film even if not 100% historically accurate https://t.co/FNfLKwviXm pic.twitter.com/pJNRM92Ezf
— Rock solid (@ShitpostRock) November 7, 2023
Ridley said: https://t.co/HdP2cqDKz2 pic.twitter.com/Dw3wXsJiiH
— Miami Vice Apologist (extraction 3 #1 fan account) (@ViceApologist) November 6, 2023
there’s not enough guys like ridley, friedkin and cameron who will just say shut the fuck up when it’s needed https://t.co/C2vljHl8Ce
— laura 🦠 (@ecto_fun) November 7, 2023
Napoleon is all set to release in theatres across US on Nov 22nd and worldwide on Nov 24, 2023.
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