Ridley Scott Responded Harshly to the Historian Who Criticized His New Film Napoleon

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Renowned filmmaker Ridley Scott is set to unveil his latest historical masterpiece, "Napoleon," to eager cinema audiences later this month, featuring the enigmatic French emperor and military genius portrayed by the talented Joaquin Phoenix.

The film ambitiously vows to immerse viewers in a vivid tapestry of historical events, from the heart-wrenching beheading of Marie Antoinette to the iconic Battle of Waterloo. However, some experts have raised concerns about its historical accuracy, casting shadows of doubt over its credibility.

One such critic is historian Dan Snow, who took to TikTok to scrutinize details from the film's trailer. He pointed out discrepancies such as Marie Antoinette's hair, which in the film remained long even as she faced her grim fate, a stark departure from the historical account.

Moreover, Snow found fault with a scene depicting Napoleon shooting at the pyramids in Egypt, a fictional portrayal that deviated from reality. When questioned about these critiques in an interview with The New Yorker, Scott responded with characteristic nonchalance, dismissing the historian's concerns with a casual, "Get yourself a life." He seemed more preoccupied with the possibility of finally receiving the elusive accolade of an Oscar, as reported by Variety.

"I haven't clinched an Oscar yet. If I do, I might just quip, 'Well, it's about time!'" quipped the director. Regardless of whether "Napoleon" secures this coveted award or not, Ridley Scott has already etched an indelible mark on the annals of cinema history, with three Best Director nominations for "Thelma and Louise," "Black Hawk Down," and "Gladiator," as well as a nod for Best Film with "The Martian." Scott's "Napoleon" is not the first high-budget endeavor to bring the legendary military strategist's life to the silver screen in Hollywood.

The iconic Stanley Kubrick once embarked on a similar journey, though his attempt ultimately remained unrealized. Scott revealed that he received Kubrick's unused screenplay for a Napoleon project but ultimately passed on it.

The script covered the entirety of Bonaparte's life, from birth to death, while Scott's production, with a script penned by David Scarpa, delves into a distinct chapter of the statesman's biography, centered around his marriage to Josephine. This singular focus promises to offer audiences a unique and intimate glimpse into Napoleon's captivating journey.