How historically accurate is Napoleon? Here are inaccuracies in Ridley Scott's newest movie

Napoleon was meant to be the next hit directed by Ridley Scott. The reality turned out to be different and the film received only a mediocre reception at best. One of the reasons why this happened is the historical accuracy of the film depicting the real life of Napoleon Bonaparte. The show slips from the truth. The audience often doesn't even know why such a decision was made, as it doesn't affect the presented story in any significant way (see Timeout, Time).

Napoleon wasn't present at the execution of Marie Antoinette

The movie begins with the execution of Marie Antoinette, who, just like her husband, was sentenced to the guillotine. Napoleon Bonaparte watches the spectacle, but in fact, at that time, the future emperor of France wasn't present in the capital, so he couldn't have witnessed the scene. Marie Antoinette didn't look as she was portrayed in Scott's film, in reality, her head was shaved, which could have been an additional humiliation for her.

Siege of Toulon was presented in an exaggerated way

The battle for the city lasted three months and involved clashes over various forts, which isn't at all visible throughout the entire sequence. Furthermore, Napoleon didn't cast the cannons in such conditions as depicted in the film because it would have been simply impossible. Instead, armament were imported from the area. At the same time, the film lacks realism when it comes to cannonballs, as the soldiers only use common iron ones, while in Scott's vision, they behave on impact like chain ones.

Bonaparte avoided horse riding

During the siege of Toulon and in later sequences, it is evident that Napoleon desired to lead his troops from horseback. In fact, he avoided horse riding and direct command. Bonaparte preferred to remain at the rear and oversee his troops from that point, allowing him a more comprehensive view of the battlefield. One of the few exceptions was the siege of Toulon, where he personally engaged in the fight.

Napoleon didn't shoot at the pyramids and didn't flee from Egypt because of Joséphine

Even before the film's premiere, it was remarked that the future ruler of France never fired a shot at the pyramids. This decision appears to lack sense, and even Napoleon's reason for leaving Egypt was completely different from that in reality. The reason for the expedition to Egypt, which wasn't shown in the film, was an attempt to cut off the British from India. France eventually lost that war, and Napoleon returned prematurely before suffering a total defeat, planning to prepare for further military campaigns. Joséphine's betrayal didn't play a role in the event.

Napoleon and Joséphine had a mutual respect for each other

When watching Napoleon, you get the impression that the relationship between the titular character and Joséphine was very toxic. Not only did they publicly humiliate each other by slapping one another, but they also shouted and threw food in the presence of third parties. There was also no shortage of bizarre scenes in which Napoleon or Joséphine want their partner to say that without the other person, they are nothing. Such situations never happened. Napoleon and Joséphine had mutual respect and affection for each other. It is nowhere recorded that they insulted each other in any way.

Joséphine was afraid to divorce Napoleon

In the film, Joséphine wants to divorce Napoleon. In fact, nothing of the sort took place, and what's more, the empress was afraid of losing her position, so it's doubtful that she would come up with such an idea. After returning from one of his military campaigns, Napoleon told Josephine that he wanted a divorce, which realized his wife's worst fears. However, the couple remained in friendly relations, which irritated Napoleon's later wife, Maria Louisa of Austria.

The Battle of Austerlitz took a different course

Ridley Scott's film presents the Battle of Austerlitz in its own way. In the scene depicted, it seems that Napoleon intentionally set his troops on a hill to drown the opposing armies. Actually, the Austro-Russian troops were surprised by an attack by French infantry going uphill. On top of that, there was no lake at the site of the battle; instead, there were numerous ponds, most of which were dried up. Some of the soldiers drowned, but there weren't many of them.

Napoleon Bonaparte and Arthur Wellesley never met

After Napoleon's defeat at the Battle of Waterloo, the former Emperor of France never met with the British commander, and they never spoke to each other. However, their mutual relationship is very well-known. At first, Wellesley considered Bonaparte to be the greatest commander of his time, although his opinion of Napoleon worsened with the passing years. On the other hand, Bonaparte never considered Wellesley a capable commander, and the Battle of Waterloo was supposed to be won solely by the bravery of his soldiers.

Zbigniew Woznicki

Zbigniew Woznicki

He began his adventure with journalism and writing on the Allegro website, where he published news related to games, technology, and social media. He soon appeared on Gamepressure and Filmomaniak, writing about news related to the film industry. Despite being a huge fan of various TV series, his heart belongs to games of all kinds. He isn't afraid of any genre, and the adventure with Tibia taught him that sky and music in games are completely unnecessary. Years ago, he shared his experiences, moderating the forum of mmorpg.org.pl. Loves to complain, but of course constructively and in moderation.