Endless Sparks: Ridley Scott's Unwavering Creative Energy
Ridley Scott's unending creativity and passion take center stage as he discusses his upcoming project Napoleon and teases us with what lies beyond for this visionary director
Ridley Scott is eager to share more. The renowned director has been quite talkative during the press tour for his latest film "Napoleon," an epic historical drama featuring Joaquin Phoenix as the eponymous French emperor. Scott has not hesitated to criticize historians who doubt the accuracy of his film ("They should find something better to do"), mock the negative reviews from the French ("Even the French don't appreciate themselves"), and reveal his preparedness for a potential AI apocalypse (he plans to rely on candles and matches).
When Scott arrived on the red carpet in London for the UK premiere of "Napoleons" last Thursday, it seemed like there was nothing else to discuss. However, what about his thoughts regarding the rumored directors cut of the film? It is said to be over four hours long and will potentially be released on AppleTV+ after the movie finishes its theatrical run.
Scott firmly denied the rumors, saying, "No, no, no, that's incorrect. This is the directors cut." He explained that part of a director's decision-making process involves determining the appropriate length of a film. "Where is the right length? How long is too long? So you have to rein it in," he said. Scott referred to the term "bum ache factor" to express his view. Currently, the film is running slightly over two and a half hours, which he believes is the perfect length for it.
Scott's previous films, "Blade Runner" and "Kingdom of Heaven," were given a boost to cult classic status through director's cuts, despite a lackluster response in theaters. Even before cinephiles have the chance to see "Napoleon" on screen, there is already a noticeable level of excitement surrounding it.
When asked if he can provide a preview of what we might see in a potential director's cut next year, Scott playfully teased, "No."
On other subjects hes chattier, like negotiating the mass of materialwritten on Napoleon Bonaparte.
"Theres been 10,400 books written about him," Scott said. "Do you think I read em? Youre kidding."
Joaquin Phoenix stars in 'Napoleon.'
Apple TV+
"When theres that many books written about any person in history - more than anyone in history - theres a hell of a lot of speculation, a lot of conjecture," he continued.
Scott's rendition of "Napoleon" showcases the extravagant action sequences that are characteristic of his films. The storyline revolves around four significant battles: the siege of Toulon, the battle of Austerlitz, the perilous Russian campaign of 1812, and Waterloo. Scott acknowledges that out of the 66 battles Napoleon participated in throughout his military career, only a select few were chosen for the film due to time constraints ("You can't depict all 66 battles, it would take me 10 hours to do so").
However, directing the battles themselves proved to be relatively straightforward, according to Scott. It was the portrayal of Napoleon as a significant historical figure and exploring his complex relationship with his wife and empress, Josephine, that posed a challenge.
The courtship, marriage, and separation of Napoleon and Josephine introduce a unique psychosexual element to the film; it becomes a battleground where the leader seldom holds the advantage. "It is the most peculiar tale I've ever had the chance to learn about, yet I've developed a deep affection for it," revealed Vanessa Kirby, who portrays Josephine.
Kirby added that she had an incredibly remarkable life, being a resilient and mysterious individual. Both she and Napoleon were outsiders, and they shared a deep understanding that was incomprehensible to others. Phoenix and Scott will be collaborating again, after their last film together "Gladiator" where Phoenix portrayed the Roman emperor, Commodus, more than twenty years ago.
Joaquin Phoenix and Ridley Scott attend the "Napoleon" UK Premiere last week. The two have collaborated before on "Gladiator."
According to the director, Joaquin is among the top actors in the world, and if he could collaborate with him again, it would greatly inspire him.
Where does the urgency originate?
"Thats my normal pace. Im already recceing a film Im going to do next year after Gladiator. Thats the way I work," he said.
Like the little general in his film, Scott marches on.
"Napoleon" is released in the US nationwide on November 22.
