Scott blasts back at French critics

Ridley Scott has responded sharply to French critics who have given negative reviews to his latest film, Napoleon, starring Joaquin Phoenix as the 19th-century French emperor. The reviews have been polarised, with some praising the historical epic as a "masterpiece" while others criticise it for historical inaccuracies.

Scott, dismissive of those nitpicking historical details, suggested they "get a life." Notable French outlets like Le Figaro, Le Point, and French GQ have expressed discontent, with French GQ calling the film "deeply clumsy" and criticising scenes where French soldiers shout "Vive la France" with American accents.

Addressing the criticism in an interview with BBC News, Scott commented, "The French don’t even like themselves," clarifying that the audience he showed it to in Paris enjoyed the film.

Historian Dan Snow has pointed out inaccuracies, including the notion that Napoleon "came from nothing" and that he didn't shoot at the pyramids during the Battle of the Pyramids. Joaquin Phoenix urged viewers to approach the film as an "experience told through Ridley’s eyes," advising those interested in a comprehensive understanding of Napoleon to conduct their own research.

Scott has confirmed that the cinema version is not the final cut, with an extended version adding 110 minutes to the original 158-minute film, similar to his approach with the 2005 film Kingdom of Heaven. 

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