Two Hollywood legends over the age of 80 are leaving their mark on the film industry. Martin Scorsese’s “Killers of the Flower Moon” has garnered both critical and commercial success, while Ridley Scott, who is 86 years old, is set to release his most ambitious film to date with “Napoleon” (November 22). This confluence feels like witnessing a clash between seasoned and savvy directors. What makes Scott’s historical drama stand out as a highlight of the year? Crafting a film that dives into the tumultuous life of Napoleon Bonaparte requires a remarkable amount of boldness and creative bravery.
Firstly, any filmmaker venturing into this territory inevitably draws comparisons to cinematic masterpieces such as Abel Gance’s “Napoleon” (1927) and Sergei Bondarchuk’s “War and Peace” (1966). Secondly, while filmmakers in Hollywood have not managed to successfully adapt Napoleon Bonaparte’s life for the big screen, Scott has plunged into the challenge, differentiating the film from Stanley Kubrick’s approach. Scott’s adaptation, scripted by David Scarpa, delves into the intricacies of Napoleon’s marriage with Josephine, offering an intimate portrayal of the man behind the myth. The film stars Joaquin Phoenix as Napoleon and Vanessa Kirby as Josephine, spanning the influential years from 1793 to 1821 and including six pivotal battles, such as the renowned Battle of Waterloo.
Ridley Scott’s cinematic endeavor is an undoubtedly ambitious one, accomplished by wrapping up the entire film in around 60 days. “Napoleon” has had test screenings with varying reviews. Matthew Wilder praised the film in an Instagram post, calling it “one of the best films I’ve seen in years”. With 27 films in his five-decade career, Scott has mastered diverse genres of filmmaking. His most recent notable films include “The Martian” (2015) and “House of Gucci” (2021). It is also worth noting that Scott’s debut film, “The Duellists” (1977), was steeped in Napoleonic themes. The narrative of duels between two rival officers serving under Napoleon’s command connects Scott’s early exploration of this historical period with “Napoleon”, completing a captivating circle.
The anticipation for this year’s awards season is high, with seasoned directors like Martin Scorsese and Ridley Scott excitedly waiting for nominations. Although Scott has been nominated three times for Best Director and once for Best Picture, the Oscars have eluded him. However, the recognition of these seasoned veterans embarking on their most ambitious cinematic journeys at an age when most directors might be seen as retired is truly captivating. The fact that Scott is already immersed in the production of “Gladiator-2”, coupled with ongoing projects by stalwarts like Steven Spielberg and Francis Ford Coppola, reinforces the idea that great storytelling, in the hands of these legends, only gets better with age.
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