5 Controversial Moments in Napoleon You Can't Miss
Discover the most provocative moments in Ridley Scott's epic biopic, Napoleon From Marie Antoinette's chilling execution to Napoleon and Josephine's passionate love life, explore the explicit scenes that bring this historical tale to life
The French have a reputation for scandal, and this is often reflected in their portrayal in movies. Here are the top five most explicit moments from Ridley Scott's Napoleon, adding to the tradition of French history depicted in film.
Before the official release of the movie, it faced criticism for historical inaccuracies. Scott dismissed critics by telling them to "get a life." As the movie is set to be released on November 22, here are the top five explicit scenes in Napoleon. Caution: spoilers and graphic content ahead!
Top 5 most explicit scenes in Napoleon
Below is a selection of our top five most explicit moments featured in the movie Napoleon.
Check out the complete trailer for the film below: And yet, this is just the tip of the iceberg when it comes to the movie's scandal, as there is plenty more visceral and intense content to be seen.
Marie Antoinette’s execution
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Napoleon doesn't hold back when it comes to graphic scenes, commencing with the execution of Marie Antoinette during the peak of the French Revolution in 1793.
The former French Queen is sent to the guillotine and paraded through an angry crowd, with people throwing food at her. Once she reaches the platform, the deed is done – and rather than the camera panning away, it stays on Antoinette’s head until it is completely severed.
To make matters worse, the executioner then holds up her head for the crowd – and us – to see, dripping with blood. While the scene isn’t historically accurate, it sets a precedent for what’s to come, as Napoleon watches on while the severed head is paraded in front of the baying crowds.
The Siege of Toulon
French Republicans continue the explicit theme a few scenes later. After several years, they create a small comedic play centered on Antoinette's execution, which involves portraying sexual acts with the severed head.
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The Siege of Toulon is another explicit scene featured in Napoleon, and the first large-scale battle epic viewers are treated to.
The extent to which Napoleon led charges remains controversial, but the scene is marked by standard battle sequences and cannons sinking boats at Toulon harbor. As he prepares to exact revenge on the British, Napoleon's horse is struck by a cannon, its entrails spilling out and into the sight of the onlooker. After achieving victory, he returns to the decaying horse the next morning, reaching into the corpse to retrieve the cannonball to send home "for mother."
13 Vendémiaire
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During the short but brutal 13 Vendémiaire incident, Napoleon's role exemplifies his ruthless leadership. Royalist protesters in Paris are met with a defense line set up by Bonaparte and the French Republicans, complete with full-sized cannons. When the crowd advances, Napoleon orders the cannons to be fired, decimating the entire front row of protesters.
As the remaining Royalists flee, the dead are left in exactly the state you might imagine, with severed bodies, fatal injuries, and gouged body parts littering the streets.
Napoleon and Josephine’s sex life
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Even though it does not depict violent scenes - despite Napoleon's later physical abuse of Josephine - the film also delves into the Emperor and Empress' explicit sex life.
The Battle of Austerlitz
Encountering each other at a gathering known as a “survivors party” during the French Revolution, the intimate connection between the pair speaks volumes about their bond. Engaging in a primal, passion-filled manner that neglects the Empress's pleasure, Napoleon insists on having his desires met on his terms. This ultimately leads to the dissolution of their marriage, as Josephine is unable to produce an heir to the throne for Napoleon.
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One of Napoleon’s most famous battles is the Battle of Austerlitz, with the fictional version seen in Napoleon living up to Bonaparte’s myth.
Engaging with both the Russian and Austrian empires, Napoleon is depicted as trapping the advancing armies on a frozen lake, which is later bombarded with cannon fire by the French Army. These ruthless tactics are what Napoleon is most remembered for, although the veracity of this specific event remains uncertain.
Regardless, soldiers meet their demise in the icy waters, with thousands succumbing to the freezing temperatures. Spectators are left to witness this in excruciating detail as the screen gradually becomes saturated with blood.
Napoleon releases in theaters on November 22. You can check out our other TV & movies reviews here.
Editor's P/S
As a Gen Z fan, I have mixed feelings about the controversial moments in Napoleon. On the one hand, I appreciate the film's willingness to tackle taboo subjects and push the boundaries of what is considered acceptable in mainstream cinema. On the other hand, I worry that some of the scenes may be too graphic and gratuitous for some viewers.
Overall, I believe that the controversial moments in Napoleon are a necessary part of the film's storytelling. They help to create a realistic and immersive portrayal of the French Revolution and the Napoleonic era. However, I also believe that the film could have been just as effective without some of the more graphic content. Ultimately, it is up to each individual viewer to decide whether or not they want to see the film.
