Ridley Scott’s blunt response to French critics of ‘Napoleon’: ‘Just shut up.’
Famed Director Ridley Scott Fires Back at French Critics of His Historical Biopic “Napoleon”
In a recent interview with The Times, renowned director Ridley Scott didn’t hold back when responding to negative reviews of his latest film, “Napoleon.” French critics, in particular, received a scathing rebuke from Scott for their harsh criticism of the historical biopic.
“Like all history, it’s been reported. Napoleon dies, then, 10 years later, someone writes a book. Then someone takes that book and writes another book and so, 400 years later there’s a lot of imagination [in history books],” Scott explained.
“When I have issues with historians, I ask: ‘Excuse me, mate were you there? No? Well, shut the f*** up then,'” he added, unapologetically defending his creative choices.
Despite the controversy, “Napoleon” is set to hit theaters nationwide just in time for the Thanksgiving weekend. Starring Joaquin Phoenix as Napoleon and Vanessa Kirby as Joséphine, the film delves into the military commander’s rise to power and his tumultuous relationship with his wife.
Scott’s Fascination with Napoleon
In an interview with the BBC, Scott expressed his fascination with Napoleon, describing him as a figure who is revered, hated, and loved. He couldn’t resist the opportunity to bring this complex character to the big screen.
“He’s so fascinating. Revered, hated, loved… more famous than any man or leader or politician in history. How could you not want to go there?” Scott exclaimed.
However, Scott was mindful of the audience’s attention span and deliberately kept the movie under three hours to avoid the dreaded “bum ache factor” of excessively long films.
“When you start to go ‘oh my God’ and then you say ‘Christ, we can’t eat for another hour,’ it’s too long,” Scott humorously explained.
So, get ready to immerse yourself in the epic world of Napoleon as Ridley Scott’s “Napoleon” hits theaters soon!
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What is Ridley Scott’s stance on the importance of historical accuracy in filmmaking?
Uke from Scott, who criticized their lack of knowledge and understanding of the historical context of the biopic.
“Napoleon” is a highly anticipated historical drama that delves into the life of the iconic French leader. Ridley Scott, known for his visually stunning and thought-provoking films, spent years meticulously researching and developing the project. However, it seems that his efforts were not fully appreciated by the French critic community.
Scott, in his interview with The Times, expressed his frustration with the critics who panned his film. He argued that many of them lacked a thorough understanding of Napoleon’s life and the context in which he lived. He further claimed that these critics failed to recognize his own extensive research and the creative liberties he had taken to make an engaging and accurate portrayal of the historical figure.
The director stated, “I didn’t listen to historians to make my Napoleon epic.” Scott emphasized that while he respected the work of historians, he wanted to create a compelling and accessible film that would engage and entertain audiences. He believed that focusing too much on historical accuracy would hinder the emotional connection that he wanted to establish with viewers.
This is not the first time Scott’s historical dramas have faced criticism. His previous works, such as “Gladiator” and “Kingdom of Heaven,” were also met with mixed reviews from historians and experts in the respective time periods. However, these films went on to become box-office successes and are considered modern classics. Scott’s intent is not to create a textbook version of history, but rather to explore the human emotions and complexities behind historical events.
Scott’s response to the French critics is a reminder that filmmaking is an art form that often requires creative interpretation and storytelling. Historical accuracy is undoubtedly important, but it should not be the sole determining factor in judging the merit of a film. Filmmakers like Scott have the ability to bring history to life in a way that connects with audiences on an emotional level.
While it is understandable that French critics may have certain expectations and standards when it comes to portraying their historical figures, it is important to recognize the artistic vision and storytelling techniques employed by directors like Ridley Scott. Historical accuracy is not always synonymous with entertainment value.
In conclusion, Ridley Scott’s response to the French critics of his film ”Napoleon” highlights the ongoing debate over the balance between historical accuracy and artistic interpretation in the world of cinema. Despite the criticisms, Scott’s dedication to creating immersive and emotionally compelling films cannot be denied. It is this combination of historical research and artistic freedom that has made him one of the most respected directors of our time.
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