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🕑 Added 2023-12-12 07:00:05 +0000 UTCOn Ridley Scott's Napoleon.
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We couldn't avoid discussing the new biopic about the "world soul" himself, Napoleon Bonaparte. The film isn't great, but what can we learn from it? And how does it sit in a context in which most biopics today are about musicians, business leaders and scientists?
We discuss:
- Why did Scott choose to focus on Napoleon's relationship with Josephine?
- What is Scott trying to say, if anything, about Napoleon and the Napoleonic wars?
- Where are the depictions of youth, revolution and modernity?
- Are there any redeeming aspects to the film?
- What do we make of Phoenix's portrayal?
- Are we seeing the return of films about Great Men of History?
Comments
Justin O’Connor
Peter Bradshaw said Scott was Wellington, in finally bringing in a film on Napoleon. Cutting him down to size. George (I think) mentioned Succession and this reminds me of the Conor character, who attempts to buy Napoleon's penis. I think Ridley got in there first.
Justin O’Connor
Excellent stuff! Great points about the military/ political transformation (and amazing Saint-Just quote). Phil and George I thought were spot on at the end. The comparison surely is not Oppenheimer but Nolan's Batman. The opening framing text (which you didn't;t mention) were pure Gotham. The people were miserable. They had a revolution. They became miserable again. So don't bother. Though Batman had more about him than Napoleon.
