Excerpt: /380/ Josephine’s Body Count

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?