Dan Snow's History Hit
Napoleon's Greatest Battles with Ridley Scott
Nov 14, 2023
Renowned filmmaker Ridley Scott joins Dan Snow to discuss his blockbuster film Napoleon, focusing on its epic battlefield scenes. They explore Napoleon's greatest battles, Joaquin Phoenix's portrayal of the man, and the balance between historical fact and fiction in blockbuster epics.
37:33
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Quick takeaways
- Ridley Scott chose Joaquin Phoenix to portray Napoleon in his film because of Phoenix's resemblance to the historical figure and their shared vision of portraying Napoleon as a complex and emotionally vulnerable individual.
- Ridley Scott's attention to detail and commitment to authenticity in his film resulted in meticulously crafted battle scenes, such as the depiction of the Battle of Waterloo, using real locations, props, and hundreds of extras to create immersive and grandiose sequences.
Deep dives
Ridley Scott's fascination with Napoleon and his decision to make a film about him
Ridley Scott has been captivated by Napoleon Bonaparte and his remarkable life, from his early fascination with French culture to his experiences shooting films in France. Scott saw Napoelon as one of the most interesting historical figures and wanted to bring his story to the big screen.
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