Did Napoleon really shoot a pyramid? Ridley Scott says sure, why not
The trailer for Ridley Scott’s upcoming Apple movie, “Napoleon,” has caused quite a stir with its depiction of the French emperor shooting a pyramid. But how accurate is this portrayal? And what liberties are being taken with historical facts?
Ridley Scott, the legendary director who recently celebrated his 85th birthday, is no stranger to historical epics. With his latest film, “Napoleon,” he aims to bring the life of the French emperor to the big screen. The recently released trailer showcases all the elements one would expect from a Scott film: horse-based warfare, dodgy accents, and a unique soundtrack featuring Radiohead’s trailercore.
However, what has caught the attention of many viewers is the depiction of Napoleon, played by Joaquin Phoenix, blowing up a pyramid with a cannon. This has raised the question: did Napoleon really shoot a pyramid?
The facts and the liberties taken
While it is true that Napoleon invaded Egypt in 1798 and fought a major battle within sight of the pyramids, historical records do not indicate that he shot at the pyramids with a cannon. The trailer, it seems, is taking creative license in this particular scene.
Historical novelist Shannon Selin sheds light on the real events in Egypt during Napoleon’s time. According to her research, Napoleon challenged members of his party to climb a pyramid, with a mathematician named Gaspard Monge emerging as the winner. The group celebrated by sharing a sip of brandy at the summit. Additionally, Selin states that Napoleon calculated that the stones of the pyramids could be used to build a 10-foot wall around all of France, a calculation supposedly verified by Monge.
It is understandable that Ridley Scott, known for his bombastic visual style, would choose to depict a more dramatic and visually striking image of Napoleon shooting a pyramid. By doing so, he is able to convey a powerful metaphor of Napoleon’s progression from using his weapons to quell revolutionaries to assaulting the embodiment of history itself.
The importance of historical accuracy
While it can be argued that historical accuracy is not always the primary concern in cinematic storytelling, it is important to consider the impact of such portrayals. Films have a significant influence on public perception and understanding of historical events.
In an era where misinformation and fake news are prevalent, it becomes even more crucial to present historical events in a responsible manner. While creative liberties can enhance the storytelling experience, they should not misrepresent or distort the facts to the point of creating misinformation.
Editorial: Balancing artistic interpretation with historical accuracy
As Ridley Scott’s “Napoleon” hits theaters in November, it is worth considering the delicate balance between artistic interpretation and historical accuracy. Filmmakers have the power to bring history to life and engage audiences with captivating storytelling. However, they also have a responsibility to ensure that they do not perpetuate inaccuracies that can mislead viewers.
While it is understandable that creative choices may be made to enhance the visual allure and dramatic impact of a film, it is important for filmmakers to exercise caution and consider the potential long-term effects of their portrayals.
Conclusion
Ridley Scott’s depiction of Napoleon shooting a pyramid in the trailer for his upcoming film “Napoleon” takes creative license with historical events. While Napoleon did invade Egypt and fight a battle near the pyramids, there is no historical evidence to suggest that he actually shot at them with a cannon.
While artistic interpretation is a vital aspect of filmmaking, it is essential to strike a balance between creative storytelling and historical accuracy. Filmmakers have a responsibility to present historical events in a manner that respects the facts and does not perpetuate misinformation. As audiences, we should approach historical films with a critical eye, seeking to separate fact from fiction and engaging in further research to deepen our understanding of the past.
<< photo by Gaurav D Lathiya >>
The image is for illustrative purposes only and does not depict the actual situation.
