The reception of Ridley Scott\u2019s Napoleon movie has been a tale of divided opinions, particularly pronounced in France, where the film hasn\u2019t found favor among critics. While the US and UK have lauded the biopic for its grandeur and portrayal of the iconic historical figure, French reviewers have been notably critical, going so far as to liken the weighty drama to the light-heartedness of a Barbie movie.<\/p>\n
Scott\u2019s attempt to recreate the spirit of Gladiator with a historical epic featuring Joaquin Phoenix hasn\u2019t resonated well in Napoleon\u2019s homeland, despite the film receiving mixed reviews worldwide, with a Rotten Tomatoes approval score of 62%. The French response has been especially damning. Notably, Le Figaro scornfully dubbed it \u201cBarbie and Ken under the Empire,\u201d a comparison that contrasts sharply with Scott\u2019s ambition to craft a serious drama centered around such a significant historical figure.<\/p>\n
The French magazine T\u00e9l\u00e9rama labeled the movie as \u201can aberration,\u201d while Lib\u00e9ration criticized it for lacking a distinct viewpoint on Napoleon as a man or a myth. Agn\u00e8s Poirier, a French journalist writing for The Guardian, described the film as \u201cinept, crass, and boring.\u201d These critiques sting, considering the high aspirations Scott had for the movie.<\/p>\n
The French audience\u2019s reactions might stem from a sense of ownership over Napoleon\u2019s story, leading to heightened scrutiny and dissatisfaction with the film\u2019s historical accuracy. Scott, known for his no-nonsense attitude, dismissed historical accuracy questions during press tours, even suggesting that \u201cthe French don\u2019t even like themselves\u201d when confronted with negative reviews.<\/p>\n
Despite the critical reception, French audiences have shown interest in Joaquin Phoenix\u2019s portrayal of the emperor. The movie saw significant ticket sales in France, with 120,000 sold on its opening day, contributing substantially to the film\u2019s international box office earnings outside the USA.<\/p>\n
While critics\u2019 opinions have been harsh, Scott might not be too concerned given the film\u2019s commercial success. The box office numbers, especially from France, signify that audience interest remains high, potentially providing a silver lining despite the critical backlash.<\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"
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