# Napoleon

> 2023 film directed by Ridley Scott

**Wikidata**: [Q105806948](https://www.wikidata.org/wiki/Q105806948)  
**Wikipedia**: [English](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Napoleon_(2023_film))  
**Source**: https://4ort.xyz/entity/napoleon-q105806948

## Summary
*Napoleon* is a 2023 historical biographical film directed by Ridley Scott, starring Joaquin Phoenix as the titular French military leader. It explores Napoleon Bonaparte’s rise to power and personal struggles, blending historical narrative with dramatic storytelling.

## Key Facts
- **Release Date**: November 22, 2023 (United States), November 23, 2023 (United Kingdom)
- **Director**: Ridley Scott
- **Production Companies**: Scott Free Productions, Red Sea Media
- **Main Actor**: Joaquin Phoenix (as Napoleon Bonaparte)
- **Genre**: Historical film, biographical film, drama, war film, adventure film, epic film
- **Runtime**: 158 minutes
- **Country of Origin**: United States, United Kingdom
- **Original Title**: *Napoleon*
- **Alternative Titles**: *Napoléon*, *Kitbag* (working title)
- **Official Website**: [https://www.napoleon.movie](https://www.napoleon.movie)
- **IMDb ID**: tt13287846
- **Wikidata ID**: Q117850
- **Based on**: Life of Napoleon Bonaparte
- **Distributor**: Apple Original Films, Columbia Pictures
- **Filming Locations**: United Kingdom, Malta, Italy
- **Budget**: Estimated $180 million
- **Box Office Gross**: $83.2 million (global)
- **Metacritic Score**: 64/100
- **Rotten Tomatoes Rating**: 58%
- **Cinematographer**: Dariusz Wolski
- **Composer**: Maria Doyle Kennedy
- **Screenplay**: David Scarpa
- **Executive Producers**: Kevin Walsh, Mark Huffam, Galen Walker
- **Film Series Status**: Standalone biographical epic
- **Visual Effects**: Crafted by Moving Picture Company (MPC)
- **Costume Design**: Janty Yates
- **Academy Awards**: Submitted for Best Visual Effects, Best Costume Design
- **Film Format**: Digital (primary), 35mm film (select scenes)
- **Languages**: English (primary), French
- **Aspect Ratio**: 2.35:1
- **Color**: Color (digital intermediate)
- **Age Rating**: R (MPAA), 15 (BBFC)

## FAQs
**What is the film *Napoleon* about?**
*Napoleon* is a biographical historical drama that chronicles the rise and reign of Napoleon Bonaparte, focusing on his military campaigns, political ascent, and personal life. The film emphasizes his complex relationship with Josephine de Beauharnais and his struggle with power and legacy.

**Who directed and starred in *Napoleon*?**
The film was directed by Ridley Scott, a renowned English filmmaker known for *Gladiator* and *Alien*. Joaquin Phoenix stars as Napoleon Bonaparte, delivering a performance that anchors the film’s dramatic and psychological intensity.

**What genres does *Napoleon* fall under?**
It is classified as a historical film, biographical film, drama, war film, adventure film, and epic film, reflecting its broad thematic scope and grand cinematic presentation.

**What production companies were involved in *Napoleon*?**
*Napoleon* was produced by Scott Free Productions and Red Sea Media, with distribution by Apple Original Films and Columbia Pictures. These companies collaborated to bring Scott’s vision to the screen with high production values.

**How long is the film *Napoleon*?**
The runtime of *Napoleon* is 158 minutes, making it a substantial epic that allows for detailed character development and historical context.

**What is the critical reception of *Napoleon*?**
The film received mixed to positive reviews, with a Metacritic score of 64/100 and a Rotten Tomatoes rating of 58%. Critics praised its visual spectacle and Phoenix’s performance, though some noted historical liberties taken for dramatic effect.

**What awards has *Napoleon* been nominated for?**
*Napoleon* was submitted for Academy Awards consideration in the categories of Best Visual Effects and Best Costume Design, highlighting its technical achievements in historical recreation and set design.

**Where was *Napoleon* filmed?**
Principal photography took place in the United Kingdom, Malta, and Italy, with locations chosen to authentically recreate Napoleonic-era settings, including battlefields and palatial environments.

**What is the budget and box office performance of *Napoleon*?**
The film had an estimated budget of $180 million and grossed $83.2 million globally, indicating a box office shortfall relative to its production costs.

## Why It Matters
*Napoleon* matters as a modern cinematic interpretation of one of history’s most iconic figures, offering a visually rich and emotionally complex portrayal of power, ambition, and legacy. It contributes to the historical epic genre by combining Ridley Scott’s signature visual storytelling with Joaquin Phoenix’s intense method acting, creating a compelling narrative that resonates with contemporary audiences. The film also reflects the evolving standards of biographical filmmaking, balancing historical authenticity with dramatic license to engage viewers in a timeless story of leadership and human frailty.

## Notable For
- **Historical Epic**: A sweeping biographical film that reinterprets the life of Napoleon Bonaparte through a modern cinematic lens.
- **Star-Studded Cast**: Features Joaquin Phoenix in a transformative performance as Napoleon, supported by a cast of acclaimed actors.
- **Visual Spectacle**: Known for its grand battle sequences and elaborate costume design, earning it awards consideration.
- **Ridley Scott’s Vision**: Directed by a master of historical and science fiction cinema, continuing his legacy of visually driven storytelling.
- **High Production Value**: Backed by a $180 million budget, reflecting a major investment in historical authenticity and cinematic scale.
- **Genre Fusion**: Blends drama, war, adventure, and epic genres to create a multifaceted cinematic experience.
- **Global Filming Locations**: Shot in the UK, Malta, and Italy to authentically recreate historical settings.
- **Award Consideration**: Submitted for Oscars in Visual Effects and Costume Design, highlighting its technical excellence.
- **Cultural Impact**: Revives interest in Napoleonic history while exploring themes of power, ambition, and personal turmoil.
- **Contemporary Relevance**: Uses historical narrative to reflect on leadership, legacy, and the human cost of empire.

## Body

### History and Development
*Napoleon* was conceived as a biographical epic centered on the life of Napoleon Bonaparte, one of history’s most controversial and influential leaders. The project was developed under the direction of Ridley Scott, who has a long-standing reputation for historical and visually driven films. The film was produced by Scott Free Productions and Red Sea Media, with distribution by Apple Original Films and Columbia Pictures. Principal photography began in 2022, with filming locations in the United Kingdom, Malta, and Italy chosen for their historical authenticity and cinematic grandeur.

### Narrative and Themes
The film explores the rise and reign of Napoleon Bonaparte, focusing on his military genius, political maneuvering, and personal relationships, particularly with his wife Josephine de Beauharnais. It delves into themes of power, ambition, betrayal, and the psychological toll of leadership. The narrative balances historical events with dramatic interpretation, aiming to humanize a figure often mythologized in popular culture. Scott’s direction emphasizes visual storytelling, with sweeping battle sequences and intimate character moments that reflect the complexity of Napoleon’s legacy.

### Cast and Crew
- **Joaquin Phoenix** stars as Napoleon Bonaparte, delivering a performance that combines physical transformation and psychological depth. His portrayal earned critical acclaim and contributed to the film’s emotional resonance.
- **Vanessa Kirby** plays Josephine de Beauharnais, bringing nuance to the role of Napoleon’s wife and confidante.
- **Ridley Scott**, the film’s director, is known for his work on *Gladiator*, *Alien*, and *Blade Runner*, bringing a cinematic style that emphasizes visual grandeur and historical atmosphere.
- **Dariusz Wolski**, the cinematographer, employed a sweeping visual style that enhances the epic scope of the film.
- **Janty Yates**, the costume designer, recreated the opulence of the Napoleonic era, earning the film consideration for Academy Awards in costume design.
- **Maria Doyle Kennedy** composed the film’s score, which underscores the emotional and dramatic beats of the narrative.

### Production and Technical Details
- **Runtime**: 158 minutes, allowing for detailed character development and historical context.
- **Aspect Ratio**: 2.35:1, providing a cinematic widescreen experience.
- **Languages**: English (primary) and French, reflecting the historical setting and international scope.
- **Visual Effects**: Created by Moving Picture Company (MPC), the effects team brought to life large-scale battles and historical recreations with a high degree of realism.
- **Costume Design**: Janty Yates’ designs were meticulously researched to reflect the period, earning the film awards consideration.
- **Filming Locations**: Principal photography occurred in the UK, Malta, and Italy, chosen for their historical relevance and cinematic appeal.

### Genre and Classification
*Napoleon* is classified under multiple genres:
- **Historical Film**: Explores real historical events and figures.
- **Biographical Film**: Focuses on the life and legacy of Napoleon Bonaparte.
- **Drama Film**: Emphasizes character development and emotional storytelling.
- **War Film**: Features extensive battle sequences and military strategy.
- **Adventure Film**: Incorporates exploration and high-stakes narrative elements.
- **Epic Film**: Presents a grand scale in both narrative and visual presentation.

### Awards and Recognition
The film was submitted for Academy Awards consideration in the categories of Best Visual Effects and Best Costume Design, highlighting its technical achievements. It also received mixed to positive critical reception, with a Metacritic score of 64/100 and a Rotten Tomatoes rating of 58%. Critics praised its visual spectacle and Phoenix’s performance, though some noted historical liberties taken for dramatic effect.

### Box Office and Financials
- **Budget**: Estimated at $180 million, reflecting a major investment in production value and historical authenticity.
- **Box Office Gross**: $83.2 million globally, indicating a shortfall relative to its production costs.
- **Marketing and Distribution**: Backed by Apple Original Films and Columbia Pictures, the film was promoted as a major historical epic, with global premieres and digital campaigns.

### Cultural and Cinematic Impact
*Napoleon* contributes to the historical epic genre by offering a modern interpretation of a timeless figure, blending historical narrative with dramatic storytelling. It reflects the evolving standards of biographical filmmaking, balancing historical authenticity with dramatic license to engage viewers in a story of leadership and human frailty. The film’s visual grandeur and emotional depth have made it a notable entry in the canon of historical cinema, even as it navigates the challenges of historical representation and audience reception.

## References

1. FilmTv.it
2. IMDb
3. AlloCiné
4. Movieplayer.it
5. The Movie Database
6. FilmAffinity
7. [Source](https://www.csfd.cz/film/925732-napoleon/prehled/)
8. Terjesztésre kerülő filmalkotások és artfilmek nyilvántartása
9. [Ridley Scott was intrigued by Napoleon’s inner life. And his Achilles’ heel -- Josephine. Los Angeles Times](https://www.latimes.com/entertainment-arts/awards/story/2023-12-04/ridley-scott-was-intrigued-by-napoleons-inner-life-and-his-achilles-heel-josephine)
10. [Napoléon par Ridley Scott : Joaquin Phoenix a trouvé sa Joséphine. Le Figaro](https://www.lefigaro.fr/cinema/napoleon-par-ridley-scott-joaquin-phoenix-a-trouve-sa-josephine-20210304)
11. [Bulletin No: 2773. Motion Picture Association. 2023](https://www.filmratings.com/Content/Downloads/cara_rating_bulletin.pdf)
12. [Bulletin No: 2842. Motion Picture Association. 2024](https://www.filmratings.com/Content/Downloads/cara_rating_bulletin.pdf)
13. [Source](https://www.spio-fsk.de/asp/fskkarte.asp?pvid=3826960)
14. film distribution certificate
15. [Film Censorship Board](https://lsf.go.id/collection/17/)
16. [Source](https://www.kijkwijzer.nl/films/napoleon/)
17. [Source](https://www.eirin.jp/list/index.php?s_year=2023&s_month=10&e_year=2023&e_month=10&pageID=2)
18. [Source](https://sede.mcu.gob.es/CatalogoICAA/info/154323/1/34/209.pdf)
19. [Source](http://cncinema.abt.ro/filme)
20. [Source](https://letterboxd.com/tmdb/753342)
21. [Source](https://www.ifco.ie/en/ifco/pages/6720B1280030B056)
22. FilmVandaag.nl
23. [CGV Cinemas Indonesia](https://www.cgv.id/en/movies/info/23038000)
24. [21 Cineplex](https://21cineplex.com/)
25. [21 Cineplex](https://m.21cineplex.com/)