Ridley Scott loved Joaquin Phoenix in Joker, but not the film’s message
The filmmaker was the guest of honor at Deadline’s Contender event in London.
Ridley Scott was the guest of the event Deadline’s Contender in London, where he presented his next biopic Napoleonwith Joaquin Phoenix in the title role. Ridley Scott is full of praise for the talent of the star, with whom he had already collaborated on Gladiator. Phoenix played the Emperor Commodus, “the most likeable character” of the film according to the director.
“I was amazed by his scandalous Joker. I didn’t like the way the film celebrated violence, but Joaquin was remarkable”, he explains to the assembly. “I was convinced that he would be an incredible asset to Napoleon. (…) There are only two actors I imagined in this role. I won’t mention the second.”
Napoleon is a large epic fresco narrating the rise of the unknown Corsican soldier to the rank of conquering emperor. The choice of Scott is to tell this extraordinary life through the prism of the intimate relationship between Napoleon and his wife Joséphine (Vanessa Kirby).
The director of Blade Runner says he is proud to have shot this film in 62 days while “normally, a film like this would be shot in 110 days instead”. Who says big production, necessarily says a significant number of cameras. The reason why Scott was able to shoot a blockbuster of this caliber in such a short time is due to the fact that he had eight cameras at his disposal: “I discovered years ago that eight cameras go eight times faster. All teams must be able to follow my pace”, he explains. A strike force that few directors can afford. This comfort of means proves the importance that Ridley Scott was able to acquire in Hollywood.
He also spoke of his passion for France, which inspired him to tackle the figure of the emperor: “I have always loved French life. (…) I love Paris so much that I have an office there. My first film The Duelists was about Napoleon, even though he doesn’t appear. (…) There are four hundred books on Napoleon, but I am a child who looks at the images. When we look at the works of the painter David, we witness a history lesson.”
Napoleon: Ridley Scott intends to release his 4-hour version in streaming
Rigor is therefore essential when treating a historical period in cinema, as confirmed by Janty Yates, the head costume designer and regular collaborator of Ridley Scott : “Historical accuracy was essential on this film. For example there were specific embroideries for each general of Russia, Prussia, Great Britain, France etc…”
Napoleon will be released in theaters on November 22, 2023 and will then be available later on Apple TV+.
