Napoleon Soars to New Heights in Ridley Scott’s Epic Pyramids Trailer

Did Napoleon really shoot a pyramid? Ridley Scott says sure, why not

In Ridley Scott’s upcoming film, “Napoleon,” the French emperor is depicted as not only a formidable warrior but also a pyromaniac who takes pleasure in blowing things up with cannons. One particularly eyebrow-raising scene in the trailer shows Napoleon shooting a pyramid. But how much of this is based on historical fact and how much is creative license?

The Real History

While Napoleon did invade Egypt and fight a major battle near the pyramids in 1798, there are no records or historical accounts of him actually shooting a pyramid with a cannon. It seems that Scott and screenwriter David Scarpa may be taking some liberties with the historical narrative to create a more explosive and visually impactful scene in the film.

Historical novelist Shannon Selin offers some insights into Napoleon‘s time in Egypt, suggesting that Scott and Scarpa may be conflating the real Battle of the Pyramids with a myth that Napoleon‘s troops shot off the Sphinx’s nose during target practice. According to Selin, when Napoleon visited the pyramids, he challenged members of his party to climb one of them. The winner was a mathematician named Gaspard Monge, who shared a sip of brandy with his rivals as they reached the summit. Napoleon then calculated that the stones of the pyramids could be used to build a 10-foot wall around all of France, a calculation that Monge supposedly verified. However, this account does not involve any destruction or shooting of the pyramids themselves.

Creative License and Visual Metaphor

It is worth noting that Ridley Scott is known for his bombastic and visually striking style of filmmaking. He often uses metaphor and symbolism to convey deeper meanings in his films. In the case of “Napoleon,” the scene of him shooting a pyramid with a cannon may be interpreted as a metaphor for the emperor’s assault on history itself.

By showing Napoleon graduating from using his weapons to vaporize revolutionaries to using them to attack a symbol of historical significance, Scott is perhaps emphasizing the destructive and transformative nature of Napoleon‘s reign. While it may take artistic liberties with historical accuracy, this visual metaphor serves to underscore the larger themes and ideas that the film aims to explore.

Editorial: Balancing Historical Accuracy and Creative Expression

The question of accuracy versus creative expression is a perennial debate in historical films. Filmmakers often face the challenge of staying true to the historical record while also bringing their own artistic vision to the story. While it is essential to strive for historical accuracy, it is also important to recognize that filmmakers are storytellers who employ various techniques and devices to engage and captivate audiences.

In the case of “Napoleon,” it is evident that Ridley Scott has chosen to embellish certain aspects of history to create a more compelling and visually stunning narrative. While this may raise concerns among purists who value strict adherence to historical facts, it is essential to remember that historical films, like any other artistic medium, have the capacity to evoke emotions, provoke thoughts, and spark discussions.

As viewers, it is crucial to approach historical films with a critical eye, appreciating the artistic choices while also being mindful of the potential for distortion. Engaging with the film beyond its surface-level entertainment value can lead to more profound discussions about the historical figures and events portrayed.

Advice: Embrace Historical Films as Starting Points for Exploration

While it is important to be aware of the historical inaccuracies in films like “Napoleon,” it can also be fruitful to view them as starting points for further exploration. Historical films serve as an invitation to delve into the real stories, characters, and events that have shaped our world.

If the portrayal of Napoleon‘s shooting of a pyramid sparks one’s curiosity, it presents an excellent opportunity to delve into the actual history of Napoleon‘s campaign in Egypt and the Battle of the Pyramids. By seeking out reliable historical sources, readers can gain a more nuanced understanding of the real events and separate fact from fiction.

Ultimately, historical films should be seen as gateways to history, inspiring audiences to explore and learn more about the fascinating and complex narratives that have shaped our world.