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?