The Intriguing Complexity of Josephine: A Key Figure in Ridley Scott's Epic Unveiled

Summary

Ridley Scott's Napoleon biopic will explore the life and times of Napoleon Bonaparte, but also focus on his Empress, Josephine de Beauharnais.

Scott characterizes Josephine as a multi-faceted and enigmatic individual, as various sources depict her in contrasting ways.

Josephine's contribution to Napoleon's empire was crucial, as she made sacrifices for both him and the French state. This aspect makes her narrative worth delving into.

Ridley Scott's upcoming film, Napoleon, not only highlights the life of the Emperor himself but also delves into the fascinating story of Napoleon Bonaparte (played by Joaquin Phoenix) from his days as a military leader to his eventual downfall in France. While this historical epic explores the intriguing life and times of Napoleon, it also dedicates some time to developing the character of his Empress, Joséphine de Beauharnais (portrayed by Vanessa Kirby).

In an interview with Empire, Scott discussed the complexity of Joséphine as a character. Throughout the production of the Napoleon film, Scott took it upon himself to thoroughly research her true identity and motives. However, the various accounts of her life portrayed her in conflicting lights, posing a significant challenge in the process of developing her character. Refer to Scott's quote below:

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“It was incredibly challenging due to the temptation of delving into discussions about Napoleon instead of focusing on Joséphine. Despite my efforts to stay on track, I found myself constantly drawn back to her. What made her particularly perplexing and enigmatic was the fact that every source, whether it be first-hand accounts, third-party anecdotes, official documents, testimonials, or even Napoleon's own letters, presented a completely different portrayal of her. She was a bundle of contradictions. Just as I thought I had her figured out and could grasp her essence, something would inevitably contradict my findings.”

Why Joséphine Is Integral To Napoleon's Story

Joséphine's true historical story and her significance to Napoleon's empire are marked by considerable complexity. From a wealthy noble who narrowly escaped death during the French Revolution, she ascended to the role of Napoleon's Empress, ruling for five years. Consequently, delving into her narrative becomes captivating as her legacy often remains overshadowed by the prominence of her Emperor husband's.

Joséphine's love for Napoleon may be questionable, but she demonstrated a willingness to sacrifice for him and for a France that had plotted against her. While her letters to Napoleon rarely expressed deep love, it became immaterial. When she was unable to bear him an heir, she gracefully stepped aside, allowing him to remarry. In doing so, she maintained her position as Empress and gained the respect of the French state without compromising her own honor.

Although it is possible to narrate Napoleon's history without delving extensively into Joséphine, it would fail to acknowledge the significant role she played in his life and in French history. The seriousness with which Napoleon is being approached highlights the importance of recognizing Joséphine's impact on his rise to power.

Source: Empire