Stanley Kubrick Almost Made Joaquin Phoenix’s Napoleon Movie Years Ago

Stanley Kubrick, the renowned filmmaker, is widely acknowledged as one of the most influential directors in the history of cinema. He gained recognition for his meticulous attention to detail, innovative storytelling methods, and diverse range of films. Kubrick had a visionary project called Napoleon, a grand-scale biographical epic. He spent years studying the era, amassing books, and consulting experts for authenticity. The film’s budget was expected to be colossal, and its scope was truly vast. Regrettably, despite Kubrick’s passion and unwavering commitment to the project, the Napoleon film never materialized.

Ridley Scott’s highly anticipated film, Napoleon, is an epic historical tale that weaves together elements of a devastating war, boundless ambition, and tragic romance. With Joaquin Phoenix taking the lead, the film promises to deliver a grand and captivating experience. The film is set against the backdrop of one of history’s most recognizable individuals, Napoleon Bonaparte, and digs deeply into his turbulent life. The brilliant direction of Ridley Scott is expected to bring to life the grandeur and complexities of Napoleon’s ambitions, military conquests, and political maneuverings.

Why Stanley Kubrick didn’t Make The Napoleon Film?

Stanley Kubrick’s 13 films made him a celebrated director, but his unrealized Napoleon project remained a dream. Kubrick’s exhaustive script for Napoleon spanned 148 pages, capturing every aspect of Napoleon Bonaparte’s life from birth in 1769 to his death in 1821. Known for his confidence, Kubrick boldly declared that his Napoleon would be “the best movie ever made.” Unfortunately, Napoleon had to settle for being the greatest film that never came to fruition.

Also Read: Movies Where The Director Went ‘Dictator Mode’ & The Actors Revolted

Stanley Kubrick’s Napoleon remained unfinished, but its influence on his other works shaped cinema as we know it today. Though the film itself was never completed, Kubrick’s attempt at telling Napoleon’s story paved the way for Ridley Scott’s Napoleon to come to life. Originally planned as his ninth film in the early 1970s, Napoleon faced cancellation, leading Kubrick to create A Clockwork Orange during a production hiatus. Subsequently, his passion for historical epics found expression in Barry Lyndon. While both Barry Lyndon and A Clockwork Orange received critical acclaim, it’s a bittersweet reminder that they emerged from the unrealized ambition of Napoleon.

Also Read: Stanley Kubrick Films, Ranked From Good To Best

Napoleon in Ridley Scott’s Version

Ridley Scott’s upcoming adaptation of the life of Napoleon Bonaparte, one of history’s most captivating military leaders, is a source of genuine excitement. What makes Ridley Scott’s historical epic truly unique among other Napoleon films is its singular focus on the man behind the legend. While past movies may have emphasized his triumphs or failures, Napoleon aims to offer a complete and immersive portrayal of his remarkable rise and fall, providing a deeper understanding of the iconic historical figure.

Ridley Scott’s interest in Napoleon as a historical figure presents a unique opportunity to witness an accurate depiction of his life on the big screen. Scott’s vision for the film promises to showcase six large-scale battles, spanning Napoleon’s illustrious military career. This approach is a departure from previous films that focused on specific moments in the general’s life, with Waterloo being a grand spectacle that involved thousands of extras, authentic military tactics, and period-appropriate formations, filmed on-location in Ukraine.

Napoleon is scheduled to be released in the United States and the United Kingdom on November 22, 2023, by Sony Pictures Releasing, before streaming on Apple TV+ at a later date.

Also Read: Ridley Scott Responds to Backlash From Real-Life Gucci Family For ‘House Of Gucci’

Source: CBR