Ridley Scott, the acclaimed director, known for “Gladiator”, “Alien” and “Blade Runner” brings us “Napoleon”, a colossal film sparking heated debates among historians and cinephiles.
The movie, starring Joaquin Phoenix as Napoleon and Vanessa Kirby as Josephine, explores the life and exploits of the iconic French emperor from 1793 to 1821.
While the film has garnered attention for its spectacular depiction of battles and the central focus on Napoleon’s relationship with Josephine, it has also faced criticism for historical inaccuracies. Some critics argue that Ridley Scott took liberties with historical events, blurring the line between reality and fiction.
In the film, Napoleon is frequently shown leading his army into battle, notably at Waterloo. Historically, Napoleon preferred the rear, providing strategic guidance rather than risking physical danger. However, the film does capture his ability to inspire and prepare his soldiers for battle.
The Battle of Austerlitz, a key victory for Napoleon, is portrayed with a frozen lake in the film. In reality, there was no such frozen lake. Napoleon outsmarted his enemies by sending infantry uphill. The film’s depiction takes creative liberties for dramatic effect.
One of the most contested scenes involves Napoleon meeting the Duke of Wellington in Plymouth after the Battle of Waterloo. Historically, they never met in real life. The film invents this encounter for narrative purposes, as Napoleon never set foot on British soil.
One glaring historical inaccuracy involves Napoleon’s army firing cannonballs at the Egyptian pyramids. While Napoleon did venture to Egypt, the film exaggerates the distance and damage, with historians highlighting the scene’s entertaining yet false nature.
A contentious moment in the film portrays Napoleon slapping Josephine during their divorce. Many historians, including Michael Broers, find this inconsistent with Napoleon’s character, suggesting it’s an artistic exaggeration rather than a historical fact.
The film inaccurately depicts Napoleon present at the public execution of Marie Antoinette in 1793. In reality, he was stationed in the south of France at the time. The opening scene combines critical moments to shape Napoleon’s views on the French Revolution.
While the film portrays Napoleon as a skilled equestrian, historical records suggest otherwise. Napoleon lacked formal horseback training, often choosing smaller horse breeds. The film takes creative liberties for cinematic appeal.
A minor historical oversight in the film involves the age difference between Joaquin Phoenix (Napoleon) and Vanessa Kirby (Josephine). In reality, Josephine was six years older than Napoleon, a detail overlooked in the movie.
The film suggests Josephine initiated the divorce due to fear of losing her status as the Empress of France. Historical accounts propose that she opposed divorce, challenging the credibility of this cinematic interpretation.
The film’s tagline, “He came from nothing. He conquered everything,” has been criticized for its inaccuracy. Napoleon was born into minor nobility in Corsica, offering him more opportunities than the tagline implies. His conquests were significant but not all-encompassing.
Ridley Scott’s “Napoleon” has sparked discussions not just for its historical inaccuracies but also for its satirical undertones. The film, seen through a contemporary lens, offers a caricatured portrayal of imperialistic masculinity, challenging traditional heroic depictions of historical figures.
Joaquin Phoenix’s portrayal of Napoleon is distinctively nihilistic and indifferent. The film finds humor in the absurdity of wars, honor, power, and societal constructs. It paints Napoleon as a detached observer, finding solace in the company of children, suggesting a disdain for the complexities and hypocrisies of adulthood.
In defense of the film, Joaquin Phoenix acknowledges the interpretative nature of historical storytelling. In an interview with Forbes, he shares that interpreting someone’s life in an interesting way is necessary for an engaging film. Ridley Scott dismisses French criticisms, stating that the French audience loved the film and suggesting that the French don’t even like themselves
Ridley Scott, known for his historical epics, has faced criticism for the film’s historical inaccuracies. He boldly responds to critics, telling them to “get a life” and expressing amusement at historical fact-checkers who weren’t present during the depicted events.
Joachim Murat, a seventh-generation descendant of Napoleon’s brother-in-law, brings a unique perspective to the review of “Napoleon.” As reported by Forbes, Murat expresses disappointment in the film’s historical accuracy, stating that “the liberties taken with historical facts” are “so numerous only a few are worth mentioning.”
Joachim Murat, despite being a descendant, maintains a critical stance, emphasizing his disappointment in the film’s portrayal. He expected an epic, Shakespearean fresco but describes the film as a “twilight movie” with a dark and aged depiction of Napoleon, played by a 50-year-old Joaquin Phoenix.
Michael Broers, an esteemed author with a focus on Napoleon attended script meetings for “Napoleon” and provides valuable insights into the historical nuances and deviations present in the film. One notable adjustment is the timing of Napoleon’s divorce, which, in reality, occurred a few years after his meeting with Tsar Alexander. Broers acknowledges the need for creative liberties in filmmaking, emphasizing the distinction between a documentary and a movie meant for entertainment.
As “Napoleon” continues to ignite debates, Ridley Scott stands by his creative choices, emphasizing the film’s entertainment value over historical accuracy. Whether viewed as a historical drama or a satirical commentary on power and masculinity, “Napoleon” prompts audiences to question their perceptions of iconic figures and historical events.
In the grand tapestry of Ridley Scott’s filmography, “Napoleon” adds another layer, inviting viewers to appreciate the nuances of historical storytelling, even when blended with creative flair.
Ridley Scott’s “Napoleon” may take creative liberties with historical events, but through the lens of Joaquin Phoenix’s portrayal, audiences are invited to explore the multifaceted personality of one of history’s most iconic figures.
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