Excerpt: /380/ Josephine’s Body Count

https://www.podbean.com/media/share/pb-vvi8s-1521c2b

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?

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