Napoleon review:
The Controversial Film “Napoleon” by Ridley Scott
The British director Ridley Scott has taken on the ambitious task of creating an American film about the iconic French dictator Napoleon Bonaparte. However, reactions to Scott’s “Napoleon” are divided into two distinct camps.
The French Perspective
Unsurprisingly, French critics have been highly critical of the film, viewing it as an insult to historical accuracy and national pride. They argue that the film, made by “les Anglo-Saxons,” neither portrays nor tells the truth about Napoleon and Josephine. In fact, one critic from “Le Figaro” goes so far as to compare Scott’s treatment of the couple to ”Barbie and Ken under the Empire.” Another critic from “Le Point,” Patrice Gueniffey, a biographer of Bonaparte, claims that the film is “very anti-French and very pro-British.” Even French GQ finds fault with the American accents, describing them as “deeply clumsy, unnatural, and unintentionally funny,” much like Joaquin Phoenix’s portrayal of Napoleon.
The Rest of the World’s Opinion
Opinions among the rest of the world, particularly the Anglo-Saxon audience, are divided into two camps. Some prefer a film that tells the story of Napoleon, while others appreciate Scott’s decision to show rather than tell. However, there is a consensus that the film may not show enough of Napoleon’s story. Personally, I believe that if you want a narrative that delves into the details of Napoleon’s life, there are countless books available on the French Revolution and his pan-European conquests. But if you desire a narrative that captures the aesthetic allure of Rome and revolution, the brutality of total war, and the emptiness of dictatorship, then this flawed gem of a movie is worth watching.
“Napoleon” is a tortured love story intertwined with six brutal battles. Ridley Scott skillfully merges the rhythm of romantic encounters and military conquests, highlighting how Napoleon’s image as a dictator blurs the line between the public and the private. French society, still reeling from the aftermath of the Revolution and the Terror, is depicted as brutalized and desperate. Napoleon, a Corsican artillery officer, rises to power through sheer force. Joséphine de Beauharnais, a single mother who narrowly escaped the guillotine, is equally desperate. Their union is a grand alliance of the damaged and the doomed.
Similar to Scott’s film “Thelma and Louise,” the relationship between Napoleon and Joséphine is a complex interplay of vulnerability and strength. Joaquin Phoenix’s portrayal of Napoleon is brooding, clumsy, and desperate, while Vanessa Kirby’s Joséphine fights for survival in a man’s world. Even Napoleon’s mother, who flits in and out of the film, adds another layer of complexity to his character. The film masterfully captures the power dynamics between these characters in a single, economical scene.
Napoleon’s encounters with other emperors and military leaders, such as the Austrian emperor Francis II and the Russian emperor Alexander I, further highlight his need for power and recognition. However, it is the Duke of Wellington who ultimately becomes Napoleon’s nemesis. Joséphine, well-acquainted with Napoleon’s amorous
Why do some individuals criticize the casting choice of Joaquin Phoenix as Napoleon in the film, and how do they believe it affects the authenticity and essence of the portrayal
Small but vocal group that agrees with the French critics, arguing that the film lacks historical accuracy and portrays Napoleon in a negative light. These individuals believe that the film perpetuates stereotypes and misconceptions about the French leader, further fueling anti-French sentiment.
On the other hand, there are those who praise Ridley Scott’s interpretation of Napoleon. They argue that the film offers a fresh perspective on the historical figure, focusing on his personal life and relationships rather than his military conquests. They appreciate the film’s attention to detail in its recreation of the era, from the costumes to the set designs.
One aspect of the film that has received significant attention and debate is the casting choice for the lead role. Joaquin Phoenix, an American actor, portrays Napoleon, which has led to criticism from some who believe that a French actor should have been chosen instead. They argue that Phoenix’s portrayal lacks authenticity and does not capture the essence of Napoleon.
Despite the controversy and polarizing opinions, one cannot deny the impact that Ridley Scott’s “Napoleon” has had on the film industry and the conversations it has sparked. The film serves as a reminder of the continued interest in and fascination with historical figures, particularly those as complex and enigmatic as Napoleon Bonaparte.
Ultimately, the controversy surrounding “Napoleon” by Ridley Scott highlights the challenges of creating a film about a historic figure with such a significant cultural and national identity. It shows that every interpretation of history will be met with a range of reactions, and it is impossible to please everyone. However, it is through these debates and discussions that our understanding of history evolves and grows, ensuring that these figures and their stories continue to be relevant for generations to come.
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