The film ‘Napoleon‘, directed by Ridley Scott and starring Joaquin Phoenix, marks another impactful moment in the representation of historical figures in cinema.
This time, the focus is on the trajectory of Napoleon Bonaparte, covering both his military campaigns and his intimate life with Josephine.
Unusual scenes in the new film ‘Napoleon’
One peculiarity that has drawn attention in the film is the sex scenes between Napoleon and Josephine.
Actress Vanessa Kirby, who plays the character, in an interview with the Irish Independent, explained that the couple’s relationship is presented in an “unconventional” and “strange” way, intentional characteristics to reflect the uniqueness of their relationship.
According to Kirby, the goal was to move away from the typical period drama, bringing a more humorous and less conventional look at this aspect of the couple’s life.
These scenes, which portray the couple’s intimate moments in a raw and quick manner, are described as a source of laughter among the actors during filming.
Kirby points out that each scene was shot differently, which added an element of surprise and comedy to the process.
On the other hand, Michael Broers, a historian at the University of Oxford and an expert on Napoleon, contributed real information about the emperor’s sex life.
During an interview with Time Out, he mentioned that Napoleon was sexually inexperienced when he met Josephine, who was already a widow and mother of two.
This inexperience of Napoleon, contrasting with Josephine’s maturity, is an element that adds complexity to the portrayal of the relationship in the film.
‘Napoleon’ stands out not only for its performances and direction, but also for its approach to the personal relationships of one of the most studied figures in history.
The film, which features a masterful performance by Joaquin Phoenix, offers a unique insight into the life of the emperor, blending historical facts with an artistic interpretation that defies the conventions of the historical film genre. Check out the trailer: