On Ridley Scott's Napoleon.
[Patreon Exclusive]
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?