Ridley Scott’s upcoming film, Napoleon, has been causing quite a stir among critics, particularly in France. While the movie has received praise in the UK, French reviewers have been far less enthusiastic. This article will delve into the controversy surrounding the film and explore the criticisms it has faced.
French critics have not been shy in expressing their dissatisfaction with Napoleon. Le Figaro, for instance, goes as far as suggesting that the film could have been titled “Barbie and Ken under the Empire.” French GQ labels it “deeply clumsy, unnatural, and unintentionally clumsy.” Patrice Gueniffey, a biographer, even accuses the film of being “very anti-French and pro-British,” as quoted by Le Point magazine.
When asked about the critical reception, Ridley Scott dismisses the French critics with his typical swagger. He even goes as far as implying that the French themselves don’t like their own culture. According to the director, the audience at the film’s premiere in Paris loved it. Scott also challenges historians who question the accuracy of his storytelling, stating, “Were you there? Oh, you weren’t there. Then how do you know?” It seems that Scott is confident in his vision and not phased by the criticism.
Napoleon was a massive undertaking for Ridley Scott, with the film featuring six different breathtaking battle scenes. Despite its grand scale, the movie was shot in just 61 days, a testament to the director’s efficiency. Scott aimed to keep the running time below three hours, as he believes anything longer becomes exhausting for the audience. The final cut of the film stands at 2 hours and 38 minutes, just under his desired limit.
Scott’s decision to tell the story of Napoleon is driven by his fascination with the historical figure. The emperor is described as someone who arouses a range of emotions – revered, hated, and loved. In fact, Scott suggests that Napoleon is one of the most famous individuals in human history, surpassing any other leader or politician.
Ridley Scott’s Napoleon has created controversy in the film industry, particularly in France. While receiving praise in the UK, French critics have been far less generous, accusing the film of being clumsy, unnatural, and biased towards the British. However, Scott remains confident in his work, shrugging off the criticism and highlighting the positive response from the Parisian audience. With its breathtaking battle scenes and a runtime below three hours, Napoleon promises to be an epic portrayal of one of history’s most fascinating figures.