Renowned director Ridley Scott was struck with inspiration after watching Joaquin Phoenix’s performance in Joker. The Gladiator director immediately saw the resemblance between Phoenix and the historical French leader, Napoleon Bonaparte. In an interview with Empire Magazine, Scott expressed his belief that “This little demon is Napoleon Bonaparte.”
Scott compared Napoleon to infamous historical figures such as Alexander the Great, Adolf Hitler, and Joseph Stalin. While acknowledging the dark aspects of Napoleon’s legacy, Scott also recognized his remarkable courage, indomitable spirit, and exceptional dominance. The filmmaker found the complexity of this character intriguing and knew that Phoenix was the perfect fit to bring him to life on the big screen.
A Reunion of Great Talents
Phoenix, who previously worked with Scott on Gladiator, felt a deep sense of nostalgia when the director approached him for Napoleon. Reflecting on their previous collaboration, Phoenix admitted to having “an incredible experience” and yearned to recapture that same feeling. Despite numerous project offers over the years, it was the demanding nature of Napoleon that enticed Phoenix to jump into it with Scott once again.
The Meeting of Minds
Just two weeks before filming was scheduled to commence, Phoenix found himself grappling with uncertainty. Feeling overwhelmed, he confided in Scott, saying, “I don’t know what to do.” The director’s response was to invite Phoenix to sit down and discuss the film in detail. For the next ten days, they meticulously went through each scene, rehearsing and dissecting every aspect. This intensive process allowed Phoenix to find clarity and fully immerse himself in the character of Napoleon.
Napoleon provides a fresh and personal interpretation of the historical figure, offering a glimpse into his origins and his rapid ascent to emperor. At its core, the film revolves around his tumultuous relationship with his wife and one true love, Josephine, showcasing the addictive and often volatile nature of their bond. While capturing Napoleon’s famous battles and relentless ambition, the story also delves into his extraordinary strategic mind, establishing him as an exceptional military leader and visionary of war.
Ridley Scott’s decision to cast Joaquin Phoenix as Napoleon in his upcoming film is a stroke of genius. Both Scott and Phoenix have previously proven their cinematic prowess, and their collaboration promises to be nothing short of extraordinary. With Phoenix’s uncanny resemblance to the historical figure and Scott’s meticulous attention to detail, audiences can anticipate a riveting and thought-provoking portrayal of Napoleon Bonaparte unlike anything seen before.