I think the only way to make a good feature-length film about Napoleon is to choose a particular episode of his life and focus on that. You can't cram in any more than that and also make a good historical film. It doesn't work.
@@Thought_Processing_ If not more. The story of his life, from his youth to his death, including the historical context requires a lot of footage to depict it properly.
I think only 3 episodes are needed: 1787 to 1799, French Revolution to victory in Italy and marrying Josephine, but ultimate defeat in Egypt; 1800 to 1812, Consul and Emperor, Marengo and Austerlitz, but ultimately losing in Russia; 1812 to 1814, the Little Wars story; Waterloo has been told already but that would be #4 if needed
one positive of Ridley Scott's approach to historical accuracy is that, in comparison, he has managed to make Mel Gibson appear as a peer-reviewed history don at Oxford. A statement I never expected to be able to make.
I wish we got a Game of Thrones style show for the Napoleonic Wars. It would feature the politics, diplomacy and intrigue paired with epic set pieces covering the conflict over many seasons, I think it'd be brilliant if done well.
^^This. Like, I respect THE HELL out of Ridley Scott for attempting this but like, 3 hours wouldn't even cover his rise/his campaign in Italy. I agree, they should have done an HBO "Adams" MULTI-PART series or like you said, a "Game of Thrones" epic. I agree that people are absolutely STARVING for good cinema again, this would be enormous if done correctly.
It would look like an expensive box office flop. Regular audiences don't have the interest for it and a few hundred history buffs and wargamers aren't going to make it a blockbuster.
Nah, you could do 1814 in a single movie easily, but as the culmination of a trilogy. Film 1: Austerlitz until 1809ish. Film 2: Russia and the first half of 1813 Film 3: Leipzig until the end of the 1814 campaign
The death of Prince Poniatowski is a great idea to show the international nature of the Grande Armé and to show the disastrous retreat off Leipzig. However, to give the impression of personal loss to Napoleon, I believe that the death of Marshall Bessières is more appropriate, because it shows how he died needlessly carrying out reconnaissance himself due to the lack of cavalry; while his death was blow to Napoleon, due to their connection. In my opinion, both tragedies could be featured, since both occurred during the battle of Leipzig or close to it.
Agree. Within the context of 1812 and its aftermath, the Polish zone, which is in between the Germanic and the Russian spheres, unfortunately tend to be forgotten.
Greg, please continue to produce these fantastic looks at historical movies. It’s really some of the best content on this channel. You’ve got a real talent for this.
Fascinating proposition. I think you did a great job staying within the ‘notes’/structure restrictions the Director would have imposed yet still came up with a very interesting but much more focused and achievable film.
Since the movie seemed to tell the story through the eyes of a salacious British tabloid, what I think it needed was a British newspaper writer as a narrator to tie it together going to the headline along with a cartoon which dissolves into the scene, this makes clear the fiction, the story tracking the writer and the British publics relationship with napoleon with political patrons sharing information and expectations of the spin they want put on it to control the public, showcasing the patrons fears which guide how the public represented by two readers must be manipulated to avoid the fears by changing their perceptions.
I would love to see a movie like that about any historical period, I don’t recall it’s been done before ? You could use this idea for lots of other subjects, 14-18, 39-45, 2001, 1870, etc, I think it could be very entertaining
Scott has always - always - had a problem finding and selecting good scripts. When he has a good script, we see Russell Crowe in "Gladiator." When Scott makes an inept choice of script, you get the four OTHER films he did with Crowe. Best wishes from Vermont ❄️
@@accountnamewithheld Judging by the quality of the Alien sequels/prequels, quirky television projects like "Raised by Wolves," and "Napoleon," Scott has already retired from making cinematic achievements. Now, he's just turning out product and hoping one will be a masterpiece. As long as WHATEVER he comes up with either makes money or causes a commotion, studios will bankroll him. Best wishes from Vermont ❄️
Well summarized Greg! The limitations are realistic and your revision is exactly the type of movie I would love to see brought to screen. The revisions make a ton of sense for portraying the best and worst of Napoleon. And since we already have a Waterloo movie it makes sense to focus on this portion of his life. I only hope that Scarpa doesn't make Cleopatra a disaster as well.
I mean of course he will. Now we know how little he cares for history. I'm curious to see how much of a whiner Octavius is gonna be and how much of a mindless brute Marcus Antonius is gonna be. You can be sure they'll have no redeeming qualities.
Just finished watching the video. I initially subbed because I loved the 1813 wargaming campaign. When I saw this, I was instantly intrigued by the concept, and after finishing, I really enjoyed the video.
Greg, this was a fantastic video, and a great idea for a movie. The $250 millions you need to make it is in the mail. You will need a 60-second opening montage during the opening credits to get Napoleon to Russia - just flashes - and I would change your ending very slightly to him coming inside as the rain starts and examining a map so the camera can slowly pan in on the village of Waterloo. No dialogue would be needed at that ending beyond what you've written. Oh, we might have to change the title to "Napoleon and Ney." (And we have to keep Vanessa Kirby recast as Louisa. But you can dump Phoenix for someone else.)
Fascinated by your rewrite. As you say. there is no other individual in history (and I include religious figures and roman emperors) whose life could not be summarised easily in celluloid. Even Abel Gance's five (or is it seven) hour attempt only goes as far as 1796! Probably one of the most comprehensive production so far.
If I was to make a theme for a Napoleon show/movie I would portray it as what if Napoleon had writen about his life before he died like he said he would when in exile. He would act as the narrator of his life, giving context and presenting his true emotions over what he had done, his triumphs and mistakes, supported by a member of his Guard that came into exile with him and was with him from the start which allows him to add to the narative and context.
Maria Louisa was a pawn in the game, IMHO. Exploring her emotional life would take you well beyond the end of your film, through her remarriage, the death of their son, and her life's end. Of all Napoleon's entourage, though, she strikes me as the only intellectual cipher. You give her a character arc better than she deserves, IMHO. I don't see leaving him as her own choice, but you could sell it. Good job!
Because the so called “professionals” like the writer hired for this film actually have far fewer qualifications that most folks realize. 3 uncelebrated, B list screenplays in 20 years of work is, frankly, not much of a resume. And when you see that’s who wrote the movie it makes a lot more sense
@LittleWarsTV I do feel rather bad for this screen writer, it's not like a GoT situation where the writers were given full licence to butcher the story on a cultural juggernaut. I imagine this one person is the sole credit of a great deal of treatments and deadlines and studio mandates.
The Duelists is based on a story by one of the finest writers in the English language, Joseph Conrad. English wasn't his first language - that was Polish. His story, The Duel, is easily recognized in the Scott film, if I recall rightly. That film was noted for its attention to detail, as if Scott were competing with Kubrick in creating "real" scenes down to the hair. A writer named Gerald Vaughn-Huges created the script from Conrad's novella, adding characters and scenes. His additions, rather than detracting from Conrad's intentions, furthered them. They weren't subtractions of the kind Scott and his wannabe writer piped up.
If I were a movie director, I would have to look back on the historical records, the dates, the ages of the historical characters, the accuracy of the weapons, clothes, places, and everything that will make a historical film very intriguing to watch.
Actual Napoleonic history is amazing, intricate, compelling and full of everything a film could wish for. Why anyone, like Scott would think he could make something better, is an example of pure hubris.
On Amazon Prime, ‘just finished the multi-part Napoleon bio from 2002 - EXCELLENT. Star Christian Clavier puts his whole heart and soul into it and pulls it off, even while struggling with English every step of the way.
I always thought a mini-series following a group of Napoleon's soldiers who eventually are brought into the Old Guard would be great. That way you still see Napoleon and his Generals, as well as the pivotal battles, but it would be more-so shaped around their ferocious belief in him, only to end up being killed at Waterloo wondering what it was all worth as Napoleon flees from the battlefield.
@@wankertosseroath okay i found it - JEAN-ROCH COIGNET : Capitaine de la Garde Impériale - its from 1969-70 and was i think based on experiences of Coignet. Its of course a tv series so its budget for battle scenes is very low.
I was expecting another video about the historical nature of the film (Not that there is anything wrong with that.) and was pleasantly suprised at this most unique video. Thumbs up for the passion as I imagine it must have been a lot of work.
As a historian-to-be and history fanatic, shivers of joy were running down my spine hearing your version and your ideas for a Napoleon-movie 🥰 Just one minor change: I would change the death of prince Poniatovski with those of General Duroc or Mortier, which died just months before the battle of Leipzig, because they were both closer more intimate friends. Especially the death of Duroc through a canonball impected Napoleon, since it dragged on for two days. So Napoleon had to watch Duroc die a very painful and slow death.
I suspect (based on some interview snippets I've read) that Ridley Scott went into this movie with a very strong preconception of who Napoleon was and what he wanted to show about him. Then he started to actually read up on his subject a bit, and it started to dawn on him that things might be a tiny bit more complicted than what he had in mind. So he tossed the books and the research to the writer and said: Make my idea happen.
"You think you're so great because you have boats!" show the greatest of British Navy and the insignificant of French/Napoleon,this makes British heart pumping with joy.
I’m a movie fan and a history buff. This was possibly one of the most bilge worthy films of all time. Reminds me of one of those Tony Curtis films from the 1950’s …… ‘Yonder lies the castle of my fadder’ , type of thing.
As a novel writer of scifi epics I agree with this whole video! One day we may get a 3 hour movie going over Naploen's milltary career in it's entirty but the chances are very small that could ever happen with the 2023 movie's production value. Which your version would be epic and should have been 100% what the movie should have been.
I know Chalamet is busy with Dune but, the 28 year old French-American actor would’ve been perfect for a ‘two actor method’, Chalamet for the Italian campaign to Phoenix’s tired, aged Emperor Napoleon, struggling with gout.
damn good re-write, i was thinking for the opening sequence we can do the following (while taking a bit, but not too much historical liberty): 1) open in the middle of the battle of Berezina (can also put in some elements from the battle of krasny) - epic action + battle music 2) the main Russian force has arrived and began their assault on the French stragglers 3) Napoleon has already crossed the bridge, while Ney is still trapped on the far side 4) Ney rallies the men and announces that no fighting man is leaving alive and they shall all die here for the emperor 5) Miloradovich brags to Kutuzov that they shall have multiple French Generals as their prisoners tonight 6) with great reluctance the entire Young Guard division is sacrificed to hold off the Russian assault until sunset 7) Napoleon holds a council with his marshals to discuss the strategic situation that night - this can serve to provide more background: there might be a coup in Paris rumor is spreading that Napoleon has been captured or killed, Minsk where most of the French supply is stored has fallen to the Russians, Napoleon should abandon the army and travel secretly through Europe to Paris to rebuild the army etc
Thanks for the vid, clearly our Gregg is a man of many talents. Maybe a cameo as the Tsar in this new release? Your take on films failure is spot on. If you want to do Napoleons rise and fall, a mini series is the way to go, plenty of everything that makes a good story present if well written and focussed and allowed enough time to tell. War and Peace redone recently managed that. But as per your challenge, if it has to be a film, then a much tighter focus is required and you ve clearly given some thought on how to achieve that. Well done
This is impressive. A solid outline on its own terms, but also a clever fix of everything wrong with Scott's film. Using the retreat from Moscow, the German Campaign of 1813, and Napoleon's first exile to structure the rising and falling action works very nicely. If you were to write a full draft, just remember: 'show, don't tell'. I like your use of novelistic prose, but it's something professional readers will often critique in a screenplay. You can almost always trim your action lines more than you think. Have you seen the Abel Gance film? It covers Napoleon's childhood, his return to Corsica, Toulon, 13 Vendémiaire, and ends with his entry into Italy in 1796. The chase sequence on Corsica has the most incredible wide shot. It's good stuff.
A lot of hard work and dedication went into this rewrite. Thanks for taking the time and sharing with us. I wonder how it might have worked if Scott had made the main character not Napoleon but a fictional character? In a turn like the excellent board game, Legion of Honor, we see Napoleon and the major historical players move through history but experience the story through our every man, a junior officer who rises up through the ranks and whose eventual demise is tied to Napoleon's hubris. It worked in Gladiator, and it obviously couldn't have hurt.
I really liked this idea for a script. I too love Ridley Scott, and really wanted to see this on the big screen. Circumstances prevented that, and now I'm glad they did - I am not a big fan of ignoring History for the sake of Art. Some divergence yes (Gladiator), but not that much!
Napoleon's life story is fascinating on so many levels and long and multi faceted - add to that the story shifts so much with the social/political changes of the time. To me one of the interesting things is not just the campaigning but the adaptation and conquering of differing aspects of life in the era. Story could be best told as a mini-series where the focus is different stages of maturity and status with elements that cover the larger historic events. His bio has it all in some respects, going into the revolution, betraying (or mitigating and stopping the absurdity of the terrors) the revolution, ambition that could be shown as stemming from necessity, the two or three+ sided coin of the politics of the era (the revolution, European Monarchs deciding to crush it, France going from power to not a power to a power in reaction to a conquering forces to being a conqueror to the downfall etc). There's a lot to unpack in both the biography of the man and the era he lived in and went from being swept up into to driving and influencing for generations into even the modern era. From the documented genius of him being above and beyond his peers to the impact his work ethic and projects that were inclusive of way more than just soap opera politics and campaigning to the cutting of the tall blade of grass by other powers that don't want change is a long involved story that really, in my opinion, is a difficult thing to pack into one short multi hour film project.
Great work Greg. Still haven’t seen the film and have no intention of wasting 2-4 hours of my life. But, your video was excellent and I agree what more interesting period to show Napoleon and his best and his worst!
Great proposals and ideas. That would be a great script. Maybe a few minor characters could appear too, with a minor role or at least mentioning indirectly: (1) Louis-Nicolas Davout (as a not much rewarded and yet best and most faithful general until the end), (2) André Masséna (as a great but cruel general, allowing for a reminder of previous Italian campaigns), (3) Joachim Murat (to represent Napoleon's nepotism), (4) Arthur Wellesley, 1st Duke of Wellington (also to mention his roles in Spain and that campaign which contributed to Napoleons real failures on land warfare), and (5) a reference to Horatio Nelson and British fleet's role in defeating Napoleon in reality. For all of them together, maybe just 15-20 more minutes - even with indirect reference in dialogues - would complete a bit the overall picture providing at least a minimal reference to British main role and their historical characters and facts, which are almost forgotten in Scott's movie.
Particularly like your suggestion of Murat as a secondary supporting role. That ties perfectly into Napoleons character arc in 1812-14. Yet another marshal who deserted him, albeit for different (and fascinating) reasons
Interesting point about Murat. As an alternate suggestion, already with other movies and TV series on Napoleon, perhaps the movie could be based on Murat's point of view. 😊😊
Thanks for the video. I am really impressed by how you rewrite the script… and how that probably supports your other videos, I guess, explaining the high quality of Little Wars TV. But there is one issue: omitting Waterloo. As wargamer and hobby historian I understand. And agree. I fully agree. But, there is a but: a Hollywood movie like this needs things that the audience at large recognises, as you well put it at the start with the retreat from Russia. When I watched the movie I think, but didn’t check, that perhaps more than 90% of the audience had never heard of the battle of Leipzig. And they still didn’t as you rightly mention. I might well have been the only one missing it, amongst a lot of other things. There is no escaping Waterloo in any Hollywood movie on Napoleon. And I deliberately use the word “escape” because I would love to have it omitted. But we can’t. I think. Centuries of our educational system somehow… missed Leipzig. And the Prussians. And 1814… And… the list goes on… To most I think the sequence is: Berezina - Elba - Waterloo - St. Helena. And that is what is shown… And I understand this kills the option for sequel. But there too is a but. Hollywood already has found it for us: prequel!
Excellent screenwriter! The focus on 1812-14 is very interesting, however maybe the British/American public would miss the British in the movie. To characterize Napoleon as an evil leader I would focus on the Egyptian campaign which was deadly for the French soldiers and the people of Egypt too. So many battles, so bloody fightings. So evil orders in that campaign. The main character would be Kléber and his death a great ending especially if you compare it with the rise of Bonaparte at the same time. Cheers!
You nailed it. Your exercise makes so much sense & that's probably the problem. Too bad Ridley wasn't able to watch this video prior to his latest. Send Spielberg the video. You never know.
Greg, this is brilliant. I confess, when you signaled a "surprise" woman, I hoped it would be Madame Mere, his mother, such an anchor was she to his life. But your three women are far superior. [Though he was surrounded by women - his sisters should be mentioned.] Your choices are good ones - commanders like Ney can explain themselves to the viewer who doesn't know all the history. An actual plot: disillusionment! Man versus man, man versus himself. Betrayal. Abdication. There's more than one tragedy locked in this story.
The movie isn’t about Napoleon. It’s about Ridley Scott’s relationship to his mother. His mother took him to art films and instilled his love of cinema but he never fully broke with her. That’s the same theme of Alien. Ripley/Ridley breaks away from the mother ship but fears some interject from Mother (the operating system) remains
Dude if I was a billionaire I would throw $$$ at this script and sail it! Greg you have a gift sir! Love this channel gentlemen! Curious to you welcome wargamers into your club as guests? Would love to play with you guys sometime!
Well done Greg! I couldn’t bring myself to watch the film, but would certainly pay good money to watch your version. Thanks for an excellent video. Keith from UK.
Napoleon and Josephine is an interesting story. Most wargamers just want the battles, but I would prefer a Game of Thrones style series focused on characters and politics.
I believe it would have been better as a character study with Napoleon on St. Helena. He looks back on different moments of his life and loves. Also some tender moments of his life on Helena with those around him. You would use at least two to three actors for Napoleon. But JP would play Napoleon on Helena. Such a study would have laid out a very strong foundation and utilized JP's incredible acting.
31:41 My god, this is literally a reference to the last scene of "The Duellists". Shame that Ridley Scott didn't choose this approach while making "Napoleon"
It would be cool to make a trilogy, the first part would start with his childhood and then continue through his first italian campaign. The second part would be his egyptian campaign and end with austerlitz. The third part would be his downfall so basically his russian retreat and waterloo
From everything I’ve read, Ridley gave the writer a lot of leeway to tell whatever story the writer wanted. At least, that’s what’s been said in interviews. Hard to believe a director of Ridley’s experience wouldn’t have weighed in at all?
You miss two aspects. First, Napoleon's return to Paris was to a city that had been materially made better by Napoleon - he was a builder. Having Napoleon return to a wealthy Paris that has the Arc de Triumph, shows how he built an Empire with Paris as its capital. Second, I wonder if Napoleon was suicidal at times in 1814 - walking his horse over a shell at Arcis Sur Aube. That is a great way to show how at the end he is falling apart.
Have you actually finished this script you're describing? Because if so, I would love to read it. It sounds amazing. This is the 2nd video of yours I've seen after your video on The Pacific, and I gotta say, I am impressed. So keep up the good work, man, have a great day, and I'll see you later.
Napoleon was my first ridley scott film (forgive me) and watching American gangster like 2 months later and it actually being good completely caught me by surprise
Actually a whole series (not mini series, full fledged one) about the French Revolution and then 1st Empire would be passionating ! As a choice I'd place the pilot at the signing of the Treaty of Paris. It gives the perfect opportunity to introduce the scenery, stakes (social disparity and anger), main caracters AND to anchor the date into collective American psyche. Also since the American Independance War was one of the main drain on French royal tresory during second half of XVIIIth century it thematically makes sense. Then use a time ellipse for second episode to 1788, ending the episode with the calling of the General Estates. Going faster to give an idea, finales of seasons : 1 : 14 July 1789, fall of the Bastille 2 : Louis XVI failed escape and capture at Varenne 3 : dual event played parallel during the finale : Louis' execution and the French victory at Valmy 4 : Enter Napoleon, Finale is his victory at Rivoli 5 : Egyptian campaign and fallout : ending on the Coup of the 19. Brumaire (=10 November) 6 : Machination and inter-coalition fighting, focus on Haitian Revolution, ends on Trafalgar 7 : The Grande Armée : Finale : Iena-Aurenstedt 8 : Blood and Snow through Poland, season ends at the batrayal of Spain and overthrow of the Bourbon King 9 : Hybris. Spain, Portugal and Russia invasions. Finale at Borodino & Burning of Moskow 10 : All in. Disastrous retreat from Russia, accumulation of pressure and betrayals all the way to the Battle of the Nations at Leipzig 11 : "It is only beautiful when useless" : desperate defense all the way to the abdication 12 : 100 days. Of course, climax is at Waterloo. But the last episode actually focuses on the treaty of Vienna, while a distraught Napoleon takes to ink and paper, to write down his memoirs. Ney is executed, commanding himself the platoon who'll shoot him. Okay, now I REALLY wanna see that being done !
Wait for the four hour release. Interesting your interpretation of the movie interpretation of the battle of Austerlitz though. Blizzard? I think it was fog. But I digress. Where did the movie ever describe the later BIG battles? It was about he and Josephine. Wasn’t made for wargamers/armchair historians.
It’s an interesting take and I see how Napoleon’s life has so many details to take inspiration from. How you pitch the film is all plot and no story. They are all interesting elements, but I don’t feel a thematic arc present. I haven’t seen the Ridley Scott film yet, so can’t say if that film does that (sounds like it doesn’t).
I still feel ridley's filters are too yellow or too dark. Whats the point of having fantastic costumes with colours if most of it disapears in the dark. Waterloo seemed to me to have the best feel in colour and dramatic lighting, that reminds me of constable and Turner and the massive romantic pictorial paintings of the era
VERY well done Sir! The movie you outline is one I would have watched, bought the DVD, and the Extended version after that. The travesty of Scott's film I refuse to grace with my eyes.....
Honestly I was more than skeptic for many of the reasons you give. On the issue of scope the only way I could see Napoleon being done justice is if it was done on the product scale and seasonal structure of game of thrones. Ideally spawning 5-6 seasons feature key phases of his life.
Very interesting stuff! I confess that I'm influenced by my years of wargaming to feel like there is a story about Napoleon's opponents growing ever more capable over the years as well. The first battles Napoleon won were against foes that had no real concept of independent corps, controlled retreats, etc. Wellington, Blucher, Schwarzenberg, de Tolly, etc. Lots of changes occurred in the rest of Europe as France flowed over and around the various nations of the continent.
I would love to see your script on the big screen. Nice work! The focus on Leipzig and its aftermath would be really interesting. Also... kudos for the original use of the "mot de Cambronne" ! 😄
The 1970 Waterloo movie did an infinitely better job of portraying the Battle of Waterloo only because they chose to only focus on the final battle in the Napoleonic Wars! When even a 2002 TV mini series does a better job than a huge budget Hollywood film!
I think the only way to make a good feature-length film about Napoleon is to choose a particular episode of his life and focus on that. You can't cram in any more than that and also make a good historical film. It doesn't work.
Similar to the Steve Jobs 2015 movie
So a tv show of 10 episodes of 1h30min each?
@@Thought_Processing_ If not more. The story of his life, from his youth to his death, including the historical context requires a lot of footage to depict it properly.
You haven't watched the video yet have you? That's what he did
I think only 3 episodes are needed: 1787 to 1799, French Revolution to victory in Italy and marrying Josephine, but ultimate defeat in Egypt; 1800 to 1812, Consul and Emperor, Marengo and Austerlitz, but ultimately losing in Russia; 1812 to 1814, the Little Wars story; Waterloo has been told already but that would be #4 if needed
"You think you're so great because you have knowledge of History!"
- Ridley Scott probably
“You think you’re so great because you have books!”
one positive of Ridley Scott's approach to historical accuracy is that, in comparison, he has managed to make Mel Gibson appear as a peer-reviewed history don at Oxford. A statement I never expected to be able to make.
At least Mel knew he was making entertainment.
@@denroy3philistine…
@@fh854 Decent people I've heard. They fought against an evil tribe.
I wish we got a Game of Thrones style show for the Napoleonic Wars. It would feature the politics, diplomacy and intrigue paired with epic set pieces covering the conflict over many seasons, I think it'd be brilliant if done well.
Stephen Spielberg is working on a seven-part miniseries for HBO based on a Napoleon script Stanley Kubrick wrote in the '80s
That was mentioned at the end of the video. The project has been in the works a long time and there is no guarantee it will come to fruition.
^^This. Like, I respect THE HELL out of Ridley Scott for attempting this but like, 3 hours wouldn't even cover his rise/his campaign in Italy. I agree, they should have done an HBO "Adams" MULTI-PART series or like you said, a "Game of Thrones" epic. I agree that people are absolutely STARVING for good cinema again, this would be enormous if done correctly.
You're more or less describing "War and Peace".
He'll I'd have taken a crown style take on napoleon and josephine
I sometimes wonder what a 3 movie trilogy covering Napoleon's 1814 campaign would look like.
It would look like an expensive box office flop. Regular audiences don't have the interest for it and a few hundred history buffs and wargamers aren't going to make it a blockbuster.
@@sterlingmoose9335 That's true, I just wonder what it would look like visually and story-wise.
Nah, you could do 1814 in a single movie easily, but as the culmination of a trilogy.
Film 1: Austerlitz until 1809ish.
Film 2: Russia and the first half of 1813
Film 3: Leipzig until the end of the 1814 campaign
It’s only a workable story in written format or mini-series (minimum 6 parts). Movie will never be the format.
Like the Hobbit triology?
"You think you're so great because you have boats!" was the single greatest movie moment I witnessed in 2023. How dare you slander such perfection!
All it was missing was for Napoléon to slam his chamber door & for Linkin Park to start blaring from his stereo.
"i tried so hard and got so far, but in the end, it doesn't even matter" @@ddc2957 lol
The Brit should have just replied " You're goddamn right"
Not only was this a really interesting and compelling video essay, it was also really high quality. Props to everyone who worked on it!
The death of Prince Poniatowski is a great idea to show the international nature of the Grande Armé and to show the disastrous retreat off Leipzig. However, to give the impression of personal loss to Napoleon, I believe that the death of Marshall Bessières is more appropriate, because it shows how he died needlessly carrying out reconnaissance himself due to the lack of cavalry; while his death was blow to Napoleon, due to their connection.
In my opinion, both tragedies could be featured, since both occurred during the battle of Leipzig or close to it.
A most excellent idea, yes!
Agree. Within the context of 1812 and its aftermath, the Polish zone, which is in between the Germanic and the Russian spheres, unfortunately tend to be forgotten.
This video makes me so terribly sad. I want to watch this movie (your version, I mean) so badly.
Someone give Greg 200 million dollars please.
Greg, please continue to produce these fantastic looks at historical movies. It’s really some of the best content on this channel. You’ve got a real talent for this.
Fascinating proposition. I think you did a great job staying within the ‘notes’/structure restrictions the Director would have imposed yet still came up with a very interesting but much more focused and achievable film.
Since the movie seemed to tell the story through the eyes of a salacious British tabloid, what I think it needed was a British newspaper writer as a narrator to tie it together going to the headline along with a cartoon which dissolves into the scene, this makes clear the fiction, the story tracking the writer and the British publics relationship with napoleon with political patrons sharing information and expectations of the spin they want put on it to control the public, showcasing the patrons fears which guide how the public represented by two readers must be manipulated to avoid the fears by changing their perceptions.
That's exactly one of the ideas I had too.
I would love to see a movie like that about any historical period, I don’t recall it’s been done before ? You could use this idea for lots of other subjects, 14-18, 39-45, 2001, 1870, etc, I think it could be very entertaining
It's hard to believe the man who made Napoleon is the same man who made The Duelists
Truly. But remember…different writers. Writing is everything. Well ok, not everything. But a lot.
It’s also a hungry young man at the outset of his career vs a crabby old washed up prick in his 80’s. None of us are the same decades apart.
Scott has always - always - had a problem finding and selecting good scripts. When he has a good script, we see Russell Crowe in "Gladiator."
When Scott makes an inept choice of script, you get the four OTHER films he did with Crowe.
Best wishes from Vermont ❄️
Scott is over 80, it's time he got out and retired.
@@accountnamewithheld Judging by the quality of the Alien sequels/prequels, quirky television projects like "Raised by Wolves," and "Napoleon," Scott has already retired from making cinematic achievements.
Now, he's just turning out product and hoping one will be a masterpiece.
As long as WHATEVER he comes up with either makes money or causes a commotion, studios will bankroll him.
Best wishes from Vermont ❄️
I love the opening scene to the old Waterloo film, "Abdicated, abdicated, I will not!"
Well summarized Greg! The limitations are realistic and your revision is exactly the type of movie I would love to see brought to screen. The revisions make a ton of sense for portraying the best and worst of Napoleon. And since we already have a Waterloo movie it makes sense to focus on this portion of his life. I only hope that Scarpa doesn't make Cleopatra a disaster as well.
I mean of course he will. Now we know how little he cares for history. I'm curious to see how much of a whiner Octavius is gonna be and how much of a mindless brute Marcus Antonius is gonna be. You can be sure they'll have no redeeming qualities.
Just finished watching the video. I initially subbed because I loved the 1813 wargaming campaign. When I saw this, I was instantly intrigued by the concept, and after finishing, I really enjoyed the video.
Glad you enjoyed it! The 1813 campaign finale is next!
Greg, this was a fantastic video, and a great idea for a movie. The $250 millions you need to make it is in the mail. You will need a 60-second opening montage during the opening credits to get Napoleon to Russia - just flashes - and I would change your ending very slightly to him coming inside as the rain starts and examining a map so the camera can slowly pan in on the village of Waterloo. No dialogue would be needed at that ending beyond what you've written. Oh, we might have to change the title to "Napoleon and Ney." (And we have to keep Vanessa Kirby recast as Louisa. But you can dump Phoenix for someone else.)
Oooo I like that ending!
If you could cast Zofia Wichłacz as Maria Walewska, it would be nice! :)
Fascinated by your rewrite. As you say. there is no other individual in history (and I include religious figures and roman emperors) whose life could not be summarised easily in celluloid. Even Abel Gance's five (or is it seven) hour attempt only goes as far as 1796! Probably one of the most comprehensive production so far.
If I was to make a theme for a Napoleon show/movie I would portray it as what if Napoleon had writen about his life before he died like he said he would when in exile. He would act as the narrator of his life, giving context and presenting his true emotions over what he had done, his triumphs and mistakes, supported by a member of his Guard that came into exile with him and was with him from the start which allows him to add to the narative and context.
That is actually what the Waterloo movie did. The film makers allowed Napoleon to narrate his thoughts. Your advice might work in a new film.
Maria Louisa was a pawn in the game, IMHO. Exploring her emotional life would take you well beyond the end of your film, through her remarriage, the death of their son, and her life's end. Of all Napoleon's entourage, though, she strikes me as the only intellectual cipher. You give her a character arc better than she deserves, IMHO. I don't see leaving him as her own choice, but you could sell it. Good job!
Excellent job Greg , your version would be far superior indeed. To truly make a movie at least capture the true essence of the character.
Now that's a movie I would fund!
Well done Greg!
Why is that so many "amateurs" can produce better ideas in their spare time than so-called "professionals" who are paid obscene amounts of money...
Because the so called “professionals” like the writer hired for this film actually have far fewer qualifications that most folks realize. 3 uncelebrated, B list screenplays in 20 years of work is, frankly, not much of a resume. And when you see that’s who wrote the movie it makes a lot more sense
@LittleWarsTV I do feel rather bad for this screen writer, it's not like a GoT situation where the writers were given full licence to butcher the story on a cultural juggernaut. I imagine this one person is the sole credit of a great deal of treatments and deadlines and studio mandates.
The Duelists is based on a story by one of the finest writers in the English language, Joseph Conrad. English wasn't his first language - that was Polish. His story, The Duel, is easily recognized in the Scott film, if I recall rightly. That film was noted for its attention to detail, as if Scott were competing with Kubrick in creating "real" scenes down to the hair. A writer named Gerald Vaughn-Huges created the script from Conrad's novella, adding characters and scenes. His additions, rather than detracting from Conrad's intentions, furthered them. They weren't subtractions of the kind Scott and his wannabe writer piped up.
The best way to describe the original film is a first draft of a British fan fiction of Napoleon.
If I were a movie director, I would have to look back on the historical records, the dates, the ages of the historical characters, the accuracy of the weapons, clothes, places, and everything that will make a historical film very intriguing to watch.
Actual Napoleonic history is amazing, intricate, compelling and full of everything a film could wish for. Why anyone, like Scott would think he could make something better, is an example of pure hubris.
On Amazon Prime, ‘just finished the multi-part Napoleon bio from 2002 - EXCELLENT. Star Christian Clavier puts his whole heart and soul into it and pulls it off, even while struggling with English every step of the way.
Make this movie! Hire an artist to story board it like a comic book and voice actors to bring it to life.
I always thought a mini-series following a group of Napoleon's soldiers who eventually are brought into the Old Guard would be great. That way you still see Napoleon and his Generals, as well as the pivotal battles, but it would be more-so shaped around their ferocious belief in him, only to end up being killed at Waterloo wondering what it was all worth as Napoleon flees from the battlefield.
i think something like that was made in the past - it was french language only though. I dont know why it has not gotten any translation still
Reverse Sharpe? I like it
@@divinuminfernum sounds cool! Wonder where I might find it
@@wankertosseroath sadly i cannot recall the name of it as it was in french, i will try and find it again
@@wankertosseroath okay i found it - JEAN-ROCH COIGNET : Capitaine de la Garde Impériale - its from 1969-70 and was i think based on experiences of Coignet. Its of course a tv series so its budget for battle scenes is very low.
I was expecting another video about the historical nature of the film (Not that there is anything wrong with that.) and was pleasantly suprised at this most unique video. Thumbs up for the passion as I imagine it must have been a lot of work.
Brilliant
I wish only your version gets done
Forward immediately to Ridley
This is excellent, well thought out. Great work.
I don't suppose you'll get a call from a big director/ producer but if you do i look forward to watching the final film.
Please do the sequel: WELLINGTON. Act 1- India. Act 2- Spain and Portugal. Act 3- Waterloo. You can even use Phoenix again!
the Phoenix shall rise again!! harhar!!
Wellington wouldn't be a sequel to a Napoleon movie, a youtube short at best.
As a historian-to-be and history fanatic, shivers of joy were running down my spine hearing your version and your ideas for a Napoleon-movie 🥰 Just one minor change: I would change the death of prince Poniatovski with those of General Duroc or Mortier, which died just months before the battle of Leipzig, because they were both closer more intimate friends. Especially the death of Duroc through a canonball impected Napoleon, since it dragged on for two days. So Napoleon had to watch Duroc die a very painful and slow death.
It's absolutely baffling that ridley scott got someone so inexperienced as a writer for this.
I suspect (based on some interview snippets I've read) that Ridley Scott went into this movie with a very strong preconception of who Napoleon was and what he wanted to show about him. Then he started to actually read up on his subject a bit, and it started to dawn on him that things might be a tiny bit more complicted than what he had in mind. So he tossed the books and the research to the writer and said: Make my idea happen.
"You think you're so great because you have boats!" show the greatest of British Navy and the insignificant of French/Napoleon,this makes British heart pumping with joy.
I’m a movie fan and a history buff.
This was possibly one of the most bilge worthy films of all time.
Reminds me of one of those Tony Curtis films from the 1950’s …… ‘Yonder lies the castle of my fadder’ , type of thing.
As a novel writer of scifi epics I agree with this whole video! One day we may get a 3 hour movie going over Naploen's milltary career in it's entirty but the chances are very small that could ever happen with the 2023 movie's production value. Which your version would be epic and should have been 100% what the movie should have been.
I know Chalamet is busy with Dune but, the 28 year old French-American actor would’ve been perfect for a ‘two actor method’, Chalamet for the Italian campaign to Phoenix’s tired, aged Emperor Napoleon, struggling with gout.
Excellent casting choice. Brooding, charismatic, age appropriate!
I didn’t realise Chalamet was that old already but I’ve said this as well - Chalamet has the look of a young Napoléon.
damn good re-write,
i was thinking for the opening sequence we can do the following (while taking a bit, but not too much historical liberty):
1) open in the middle of the battle of Berezina (can also put in some elements from the battle of krasny) - epic action + battle music
2) the main Russian force has arrived and began their assault on the French stragglers
3) Napoleon has already crossed the bridge, while Ney is still trapped on the far side
4) Ney rallies the men and announces that no fighting man is leaving alive and they shall all die here for the emperor
5) Miloradovich brags to Kutuzov that they shall have multiple French Generals as their prisoners tonight
6) with great reluctance the entire Young Guard division is sacrificed to hold off the Russian assault until sunset
7) Napoleon holds a council with his marshals to discuss the strategic situation that night - this can serve to provide more background: there might be a coup in Paris rumor is spreading that Napoleon has been captured or killed, Minsk where most of the French supply is stored has fallen to the Russians, Napoleon should abandon the army and travel secretly through Europe to Paris to rebuild the army etc
I, for one, welcome LWTV's new era of movie essays
Fun to do every now and again! Especially when they relate to a game we have going on!
Thanks for the vid, clearly our Gregg is a man of many talents. Maybe a cameo as the Tsar in this new release?
Your take on films failure is spot on. If you want to do Napoleons rise and fall, a mini series is the way to go, plenty of everything that makes a good story present if well written and focussed and allowed enough time to tell. War and Peace redone recently managed that.
But as per your challenge, if it has to be a film, then a much tighter focus is required and you ve clearly given some thought on how to achieve that. Well done
This is impressive. A solid outline on its own terms, but also a clever fix of everything wrong with Scott's film. Using the retreat from Moscow, the German Campaign of 1813, and Napoleon's first exile to structure the rising and falling action works very nicely.
If you were to write a full draft, just remember: 'show, don't tell'. I like your use of novelistic prose, but it's something professional readers will often critique in a screenplay. You can almost always trim your action lines more than you think.
Have you seen the Abel Gance film? It covers Napoleon's childhood, his return to Corsica, Toulon, 13 Vendémiaire, and ends with his entry into Italy in 1796. The chase sequence on Corsica has the most incredible wide shot. It's good stuff.
A lot of hard work and dedication went into this rewrite. Thanks for taking the time and sharing with us. I wonder how it might have worked if Scott had made the main character not Napoleon but a fictional character? In a turn like the excellent board game, Legion of Honor, we see Napoleon and the major historical players move through history but experience the story through our every man, a junior officer who rises up through the ranks and whose eventual demise is tied to Napoleon's hubris. It worked in Gladiator, and it obviously couldn't have hurt.
I really liked this idea for a script. I too love Ridley Scott, and really wanted to see this on the big screen. Circumstances prevented that, and now I'm glad they did - I am not a big fan of ignoring History for the sake of Art. Some divergence yes (Gladiator), but not that much!
Napoleon's life story is fascinating on so many levels and long and multi faceted - add to that the story shifts so much with the social/political changes of the time. To me one of the interesting things is not just the campaigning but the adaptation and conquering of differing aspects of life in the era. Story could be best told as a mini-series where the focus is different stages of maturity and status with elements that cover the larger historic events. His bio has it all in some respects, going into the revolution, betraying (or mitigating and stopping the absurdity of the terrors) the revolution, ambition that could be shown as stemming from necessity, the two or three+ sided coin of the politics of the era (the revolution, European Monarchs deciding to crush it, France going from power to not a power to a power in reaction to a conquering forces to being a conqueror to the downfall etc). There's a lot to unpack in both the biography of the man and the era he lived in and went from being swept up into to driving and influencing for generations into even the modern era. From the documented genius of him being above and beyond his peers to the impact his work ethic and projects that were inclusive of way more than just soap opera politics and campaigning to the cutting of the tall blade of grass by other powers that don't want change is a long involved story that really, in my opinion, is a difficult thing to pack into one short multi hour film project.
Great work Greg. Still haven’t seen the film and have no intention of wasting 2-4 hours of my life. But, your video was excellent and I agree what more interesting period to show Napoleon and his best and his worst!
That's impressive, to go beyond criticism and show how it could be better. Great work Greg, that's the film I wish I'd seen!
This is one of the best you tube videos I have ever seen. ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
fun fact Ridley is Diddy's neighbor. imagine skimming Nepoleon books while trying to ignore Diddy parties in the background.
Great proposals and ideas. That would be a great script. Maybe a few minor characters could appear too, with a minor role or at least mentioning indirectly: (1) Louis-Nicolas Davout (as a not much rewarded and yet best and most faithful general until the end), (2) André Masséna (as a great but cruel general, allowing for a reminder of previous Italian campaigns), (3) Joachim Murat (to represent Napoleon's nepotism), (4) Arthur Wellesley, 1st Duke of Wellington (also to mention his roles in Spain and that campaign which contributed to Napoleons real failures on land warfare), and (5) a reference to Horatio Nelson and British fleet's role in defeating Napoleon in reality. For all of them together, maybe just 15-20 more minutes - even with indirect reference in dialogues - would complete a bit the overall picture providing at least a minimal reference to British main role and their historical characters and facts, which are almost forgotten in Scott's movie.
Particularly like your suggestion of Murat as a secondary supporting role. That ties perfectly into Napoleons character arc in 1812-14. Yet another marshal who deserted him, albeit for different (and fascinating) reasons
Interesting point about Murat. As an alternate suggestion, already with other movies and TV series on Napoleon, perhaps the movie could be based on Murat's point of view. 😊😊
@@fortpark-wd9sx A movie on Murat is overdue, come to think of it.
Thanks for the video. I am really impressed by how you rewrite the script… and how that probably supports your other videos, I guess, explaining the high quality of Little Wars TV.
But there is one issue: omitting Waterloo.
As wargamer and hobby historian I understand. And agree. I fully agree. But, there is a but: a Hollywood movie like this needs things that the audience at large recognises, as you well put it at the start with the retreat from Russia. When I watched the movie I think, but didn’t check, that perhaps more than 90% of the audience had never heard of the battle of Leipzig. And they still didn’t as you rightly mention. I might well have been the only one missing it, amongst a lot of other things.
There is no escaping Waterloo in any Hollywood movie on Napoleon.
And I deliberately use the word “escape” because I would love to have it omitted. But we can’t. I think. Centuries of our educational system somehow… missed Leipzig. And the Prussians. And 1814… And… the list goes on… To most I think the sequence is: Berezina - Elba - Waterloo - St. Helena. And that is what is shown…
And I understand this kills the option for sequel. But there too is a but. Hollywood already has found it for us: prequel!
The movie ending with a Animal House-type ending crawl with what everyone did after the movie ended. Like Bernadotte becoming king, etc etc.
Excellent screenwriter! The focus on 1812-14 is very interesting, however maybe the British/American public would miss the British in the movie. To characterize Napoleon as an evil leader I would focus on the Egyptian campaign which was deadly for the French soldiers and the people of Egypt too. So many battles, so bloody fightings. So evil orders in that campaign. The main character would be Kléber and his death a great ending especially if you compare it with the rise of Bonaparte at the same time. Cheers!
You nailed it. Your exercise makes so much sense & that's probably the problem. Too bad Ridley wasn't able to watch this video prior to his latest. Send Spielberg the video. You never know.
Spielberg is working from Stanley Kubricks old script notes, and that should be quite interesting!
Greg, this is brilliant. I confess, when you signaled a "surprise" woman, I hoped it would be Madame Mere, his mother, such an anchor was she to his life. But your three women are far superior. [Though he was surrounded by women - his sisters should be mentioned.] Your choices are good ones - commanders like Ney can explain themselves to the viewer who doesn't know all the history. An actual plot: disillusionment! Man versus man, man versus himself. Betrayal. Abdication. There's more than one tragedy locked in this story.
The movie isn’t about Napoleon. It’s about Ridley Scott’s relationship to his mother. His mother took him to art films and instilled his love of cinema but he never fully broke with her. That’s the same theme of Alien. Ripley/Ridley breaks away from the mother ship but fears some interject from Mother (the operating system) remains
Greg. This video was better than the movie! Two words:: crowd funding. You got this!
Great video. I would love to see your script as an actual movie!!!
What is the song at the intro?
A free RUclips music track. I think it was called Parisian cafe
Dude if I was a billionaire I would throw $$$ at this script and sail it! Greg you have a gift sir! Love this channel gentlemen! Curious to you welcome wargamers into your club as guests? Would love to play with you guys sometime!
The part I enjoyed the most about this movie was Josephine. The actress who played her did an excellent job.
Well done Greg! I couldn’t bring myself to watch the film, but would certainly pay good money to watch your version. Thanks for an excellent video. Keith from UK.
Thanks Keith! Don’t think we will ever get to see this version on screen…but here’s hoping HBO does better and comes through!
This movie needed a full rewrite! Good idea for a video.
Napoleon and Josephine is an interesting story. Most wargamers just want the battles, but I would prefer a Game of Thrones style series focused on characters and politics.
The two should complement one another. Who had any idea why Napoléon was fighting the Austrians watching that movie!?
Yes! Do a Kickstarter! Make the film! Little Wars Cinema! 😁
I believe it would have been better as a character study with Napoleon on St. Helena. He looks back on different moments of his life and loves. Also some tender moments of his life on Helena with those around him. You would use at least two to three actors for Napoleon. But JP would play Napoleon on Helena. Such a study would have laid out a very strong foundation and utilized JP's incredible acting.
Greg stretching his wings and writing chops. Having written for the Nicholls Fellowship - I applaud this effort.
Favourite episode(s) definitely is this spring 1813 campaign. Love the strategic discussions and fog of war! Already started making my own hex map!
I thought Rod Steiger, Christopher Plummer and the rest did just fine in Waterloo.
Outstanding video. Fun to watch. I think it would be a great movie.
31:41
My god, this is literally a reference to the last scene of "The Duellists".
Shame that Ridley Scott didn't choose this approach while making "Napoleon"
It would be cool to make a trilogy, the first part would start with his childhood and then continue through his first italian campaign. The second part would be his egyptian campaign and end with austerlitz. The third part would be his downfall so basically his russian retreat and waterloo
Greg you are spot on with your reconstruction of Napoleon. We all would have benefited had your outline been used.
I wonder how Sir Ridley would react to this movie pitch. I think the audience and critics would have liked it.
From everything I’ve read, Ridley gave the writer a lot of leeway to tell whatever story the writer wanted. At least, that’s what’s been said in interviews. Hard to believe a director of Ridley’s experience wouldn’t have weighed in at all?
You miss two aspects. First, Napoleon's return to Paris was to a city that had been materially made better by Napoleon - he was a builder. Having Napoleon return to a wealthy Paris that has the Arc de Triumph, shows how he built an Empire with Paris as its capital. Second, I wonder if Napoleon was suicidal at times in 1814 - walking his horse over a shell at Arcis Sur Aube. That is a great way to show how at the end he is falling apart.
I'd like to see a biopic of Sydney Smith. Especially if you want to have a story that's highly critical of Napoleon and highlight his atrocities.
Have you actually finished this script you're describing? Because if so, I would love to read it. It sounds amazing. This is the 2nd video of yours I've seen after your video on The Pacific, and I gotta say, I am impressed. So keep up the good work, man, have a great day, and I'll see you later.
Bravo Greg and Team! Well done. You always impress me as to how much you truly understand history.
Napoleon was my first ridley scott film (forgive me) and watching American gangster like 2 months later and it actually being good completely caught me by surprise
Actually a whole series (not mini series, full fledged one) about the French Revolution and then 1st Empire would be passionating !
As a choice I'd place the pilot at the signing of the Treaty of Paris. It gives the perfect opportunity to introduce the scenery, stakes (social disparity and anger), main caracters AND to anchor the date into collective American psyche. Also since the American Independance War was one of the main drain on French royal tresory during second half of XVIIIth century it thematically makes sense.
Then use a time ellipse for second episode to 1788, ending the episode with the calling of the General Estates.
Going faster to give an idea, finales of seasons :
1 : 14 July 1789, fall of the Bastille
2 : Louis XVI failed escape and capture at Varenne
3 : dual event played parallel during the finale : Louis' execution and the French victory at Valmy
4 : Enter Napoleon, Finale is his victory at Rivoli
5 : Egyptian campaign and fallout : ending on the Coup of the 19. Brumaire (=10 November)
6 : Machination and inter-coalition fighting, focus on Haitian Revolution, ends on Trafalgar
7 : The Grande Armée : Finale : Iena-Aurenstedt
8 : Blood and Snow through Poland, season ends at the batrayal of Spain and overthrow of the Bourbon King
9 : Hybris. Spain, Portugal and Russia invasions. Finale at Borodino & Burning of Moskow
10 : All in. Disastrous retreat from Russia, accumulation of pressure and betrayals all the way to the Battle of the Nations at Leipzig
11 : "It is only beautiful when useless" : desperate defense all the way to the abdication
12 : 100 days. Of course, climax is at Waterloo. But the last episode actually focuses on the treaty of Vienna, while a distraught Napoleon takes to ink and paper, to write down his memoirs. Ney is executed, commanding himself the platoon who'll shoot him.
Okay, now I REALLY wanna see that being done !
Wait for the four hour release. Interesting your interpretation of the movie interpretation of the battle of Austerlitz though. Blizzard? I think it was fog. But I digress. Where did the movie ever describe the later BIG battles? It was about he and Josephine. Wasn’t made for wargamers/armchair historians.
Loved the video! And loved the movie you came up with! Would have loved to see it on screen. And yes, it sounds way better than the one just out.
It’s an interesting take and I see how Napoleon’s life has so many details to take inspiration from. How you pitch the film is all plot and no story. They are all interesting elements, but I don’t feel a thematic arc present. I haven’t seen the Ridley Scott film yet, so can’t say if that film does that (sounds like it doesn’t).
I still feel ridley's filters are too yellow or too dark. Whats the point of having fantastic costumes with colours if most of it disapears in the dark. Waterloo seemed to me to have the best feel in colour and dramatic lighting, that reminds me of constable and Turner and the massive romantic pictorial paintings of the era
He does love his color grading. Feels like he’s leaned more heavily into aggressive color grading in recent films too
Probably to hide special effects. @@LittleWarsTV
VERY well done Sir! The movie you outline is one I would have watched, bought the DVD, and the Extended version after that. The travesty of Scott's film I refuse to grace with my eyes.....
To tell the story of Napoleon it would have to be a mini series.
HBO might be doing just that! Let’s hope
Honestly I was more than skeptic for many of the reasons you give. On the issue of scope the only way I could see Napoleon being done justice is if it was done on the product scale and seasonal structure of game of thrones. Ideally spawning 5-6 seasons feature key phases of his life.
Very interesting stuff! I confess that I'm influenced by my years of wargaming to feel like there is a story about Napoleon's opponents growing ever more capable over the years as well. The first battles Napoleon won were against foes that had no real concept of independent corps, controlled retreats, etc. Wellington, Blucher, Schwarzenberg, de Tolly, etc. Lots of changes occurred in the rest of Europe as France flowed over and around the various nations of the continent.
“You think you’re so great because you have boats”
This was so high effort. Really good video!
I would love to see your script on the big screen. Nice work! The focus on Leipzig and its aftermath would be really interesting.
Also... kudos for the original use of the "mot de Cambronne" ! 😄
This is masterful….great work!
Absolutely brilliant content!
The 1970 Waterloo movie did an infinitely better job of portraying the Battle of Waterloo only because they chose to only focus on the final battle in the Napoleonic Wars! When even a 2002 TV mini series does a better job than a huge budget Hollywood film!
Really incredible work in this video, from the contents to the presentation.
I would 100% watch such a movie !!!
Outstanding, Greg
Excellent video and storyboarding, but I'd wish you reconsider the use of cursive fonts (this one in particular) which hinders legibility.