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.
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.
The challenges and preparation for portraying Napoleon on film
Scott chose Joaquin Phoenix to play Napoleon because of his resemblance to the historical figure. Phoenix and Scott worked together to develop the character, portraying him as both a genius and a vulnerable, uncertain individual. Scott wanted to create a nuanced portrayal of Napoleon, highlighting his complex emotions and personal relationships.
The impressive scale and realism of the battle scenes
Scott is known for his attention to detail and insists on using real locations and props whenever possible. He believes that authenticity is crucial in capturing the essence of historical events. The battle scenes in the film, particularly the depiction of the Battle of Waterloo, were meticulously crafted to convey the grandeur and intensity of the conflicts. Scott employed hundreds of extras, real cannons, and intricate camera setups to create epic and immersive battle sequences.
The impact and legacy of Napoleon's life and leadership
Scott wanted viewers to come away from the film with a deeper understanding of Napoleon and the profound impact he had on history. Napoleon's military skill, political acumen, and cultural influence are all explored in the film, showing his rise to power and his complex relationships with his contemporaries. Scott believes that Napoleon's legacy is still felt today, and his accomplishments and flaws continue to fascinate people around the world.
Napoleon Bonaparte is one of the most accomplished military commanders in world history. He rose to become Emperor of the French after a series of spectacular battlefield victories and continued this success until the very end of his rule.
On this episode, Dan is joined by the famed filmmaker Ridley Scott to discuss his recent blockbuster, Napoleon, and go through some of the film's epic battlefield scenes. What were the conqueror's greatest battles? How did Joaquin Phoenix capture the essence of the man? And how do blockbuster epics balance historical fact with historical fiction? Tune in to find out.
Produced by Mariana Des Forges and edited by Dougal Patmore.
Discover the past with exclusive history documentaries and ad-free podcasts presented by world-renowned historians from History Hit. Watch them on your smart TV or on the go with your mobile device. Get 50% off your first 3 months with code DANSNOW - sign up now for your 14-day free trialhttp://access.historyhit.com/checkout?code=dansnow&plan=monthly.