23 years after Gladiator (and his first Oscar nomination), Joaquin Phoenix was back in front of the camera for Ridley Scott. In Napoleon he takes on the leading role of commander who crowned himself Emperor of France. The preparation has been intense, a new report reveals.
Ridley Scott describes Joaquin Phoenix’s crisis shortly before filming begins
Academy Award winner and Joker star Joaquin Phoenix had been looking for years for a Ridley Scott collaboration opportunity that was as challenging as his role as Commodus in Gladiator. He only found what he was looking for in Napoleon, as he revealed to Empire magazine. Ridley Scott describes a moment of crisis for the star:
He walks in and you’re two fucking weeks before filming starts and he says, ‘I do not know what to do’. I say: ‘What?!’ ‘I do not know what to do.’ Oh god, I said, ‘Come in, sit down.’ We sat there all day for ten days and discussed scene after scene.
The two discussed the script together in detail in order to overcome Phoenix’s doubts and to find a coherent approach for the film.
Watch the trailer for Napoleon:
Napoleon – Trailer (German) HD
Scott also highlighted a special quality in Phoenix that he had already enjoyed during the shooting of Gladiator: “He is the best performer of damaged goods”. Despite everything, Scott had sympathized with the tormented and ruthless Commodus. Something similar could await us in Napoleon.
This is known about Napoleon’s action
Joaquin Phoenix plays the Corsican-born general who rose to fame during the French Revolution, led the Republic as First Consul and crowned himself Emperor in 1804. The official synopsis of the film is as follows:
A personal insight into the life and rapid rise of the French general to the rank of emperor. The story is facing the Napoleon’s unhealthy, unstable relationship with his wife and only true love Josephine told. The film captures Napoleon’s famous battles, relentless ambition and amazing strategic mind as an exceptional military leader and war visionary.
Josephine is played by Vanessa Kirby, who last appeared as White Widow in Mission: Impossible 7 – Dead Reckoning Part One. Jodie Comer was originally slated to play the role, but The Last Duel actress had to drop out due to scheduling conflicts. David Scarpa (All the Money in the World) wrote the screenplay.
Although Napoleon is a production for the Apple TV+ streaming service, the film will receive a regular theatrical release. At the November 23 you can see for yourself whether Pheonix’ and Scott’s intensive preparation paid off.