Who else is excited to see #Napoleon on the big screen! We hope you enjoyed this exclusive interview with the legendary Sir Ridley Scott. Make sure to leave a like and comment on this video and subscribe to the channel. And make sure you to see it in cinemas on November 22! 🎥🇫🇷

Okay. After watching this, I'm convinced that Scott didn't only not care for historical accuracy, he just made what he thought would look good without even taking accuracy into *consideration*.

If you guys want a great Napoleonic War movie, and just an all around good movie in general, you should watch Waterloo. It’s on KZfaq free with no ads and has 17,000 Russian extras from the Soviet army as the soldiers. No CGI. It was made in 1970 but it probably the 2nd or 3rd best movie I’ve ever seen, and also Christopher Plummer and Rob Steiger play Wellington and Napoleon.

apparently there wasn't any cgi in any of the pixar films either, they used real monsters and talking cars, so impressive

05:48 Another Director who tries to lie and downplay the use of CG and VFX in a movie. That’s how he respects the hundreds of artists doing visual work in front of a computer instead of working on set. Bravo Ridley! You can join Christopher Nolan in this regard.

Ridley Scott confirmed he has an 'extended' 4 hour version ready to roll, it will be released after the theatrical run. FANTASTIC!

What we are looking at here 5:49 is not CGI?: at the very moment Ridley says 'NO', big CGI explosion 😂 As a (french) vfx artist this marketing argument is degrading the whole profession; we'll move to theater for the story, the performances and the craft; the hundreds of invisible VFX shots you won't even notice is part of it and should be celebrated and credited as the rest of the craft. It's like saying there is no historians, no props and set makers, no costumes designers, and everything appeared by magic ;)

Waterloo is probably the best Napoleonic era film ever made. Over two hours focused on a single decisive battle really shows the drama and grittiness compared to two and a half hours in this new film trying to cover Napoleons entire life. I can definitely see how the rumors that this was a four-hour film cut down to the current running time. The focus on the Napoleon/Josephine relationship as the key narrative device would have benefited from longer more sympathetic character development. It seemed hard to care for any character in the film. The score was also a little wanting, with some rousing battle music and other classical ambience, but also some weird almost mongolian moaning at some points. The historical events & politics should have been the driving force. a mid-tier rating film for me. If you want to enjoy a good Napoleonic era film go watch the Classic Waterloo again, far superior with two hours being devoted to just one battle rather than the entire period

This is the first film I really want to see in theaters, in a long time.

Stanley Kubrick once planned on making a Napoleon film and even had the script finished and began shooting background footage. It never got made, but he famously said that if it did, it would be the greatest film ever made. Kubrick's vision may never be realized, but Ridley's version may be the next best thing. At 85 years old, he's still making epics. A true legend of film making.

There is a ridiculously methodical process that historians follow to know which is accurate and which is not. History isn't an easy subject to say "how do they know?"

Austerlitz was by itself a amazing story. No need to falsify the account. Napoleon doesn't need stupid Hollywood remake. In the battle of Rivoli, hos center was breaking, his right flank was gone and he had enemy troops blocking his path of retreat and yet he looked at the nap and said to the present officers: they are ours.

I’ve got 400 books about Napoleon! And there’s thousands more… what a ridiculous understatement about the man.

Scott is being a bit silly here. Historians don't claim to know what happened because they were there, but because they have read the reports and recollections of those who were.

9 VFX studios, nearly 300 credit VFX artists specializing in compositing, tracking, lighting, 3D modeling, texturing and animation - But no CGI. Uh huh. Okay.

Congratulations Ridley Scott, you made 'Josephine!'

this man is 85 and is still doing his thing. Love it

The Austerlitz scene does bother me. It is a small anecdote about the battle that some retreating troops were shot at while on ice, and he uses this to explain how Napoleon won… the true story is much more interesting how he tricked the allied armies into attacking him and sprung a trap. Scott’s explanation of history books and historians is completely wrong. History is written way different to how we wrote it and recorded it back even 100 years ago. Taking artistic license is fine but telling historians they are wrong when you are not a historian and don’t understand how history is studied and written isn’t fine. Edit: for clarity, I am okay with the historical inaccuracy for entertainment reasons, it’s normal for a Ridley Scott movie, but his misinterpretation of the study of history and using it as an excuse is pretty insulting. Dan Snow must feel bad that he couldn’t/can’t comment on this, because it’s Ridley Scott.

Any Total War fans here? I just want them to return to this time period!

Ridley Scott's Kingdom of heaven is the masterpiece as well , must watch 10/10 🍿

“No CGI” has become a popular and sloppy way of saying “filmed on location” (which was later dramatically changed or enhanced by CGI) and “filmed with some real props” (which were then enhanced and multiplied by CGI to look real on the screen). It’s apparently unfashionable to use CGI in movies. So they still do it (and it’s getting ever better), but deny it in public. That’s the new Hollywood.

Ridley keeps saying there are 400 books written about Napoleon. According to historian J.D Markham, the actual number is over 300,000. There have been more books written about Napoleon than days since his death.

Sir Scott's "The Duelist" 1977 is Napolean era, and well worth watching for its structure and full character development.

People tend to forget about Kingdom of Heaven (Director's Cut) and The Duellists. Both of Ridley's epics.

Why is CGI treated like a disease? Obviously the shot with the Seabattle is 99% CGI. The Ships, the gunfire the explosions, most ships crews are all CGI.

Wanted to make the movie without CGI, yet used tons of it. For some reason the use of CGI gets downplayed in every new movie, pandering to the audiences ignorance.

Thank you for admitting that there was way more to Napoleon Bonaparte than a war master. He was a very special man talented in so many ways. He was also a caring and compassionate down to earth man and that’s why he was so loved by everyone, especially his soldiers which were his children.

I can imagine there is an extended cut of this interview... And I need it. If it's Ridley, I can listen him talk about movies, filmmaking and camera operation for hours. He's still on top. And he will always be.

I LOVE WATERLOO. I own it and have watched it numerous times. The opening scene. One of my favorites of all time sets up the whole movie. The French Generals are walking through the huge palace halls. All In lock step, faces confident. Sure of themselves and the bad news and message they must give to their emperor Napoleon. Lock step, chins hi. As soon as they round the corner to face the BACK of Napoleon, hands gathered, they fall out of step, mouths agape and try to compose themselves. Like Children to the master. BRILLIANT !!!! The next scene is Napoleon speaking to his old guard, relinquishing power. Calling them his Children and gathering the flag of France and kissing it as his wife, their mother. And that's just the first few minutes in !!!!!!!!!!!!! The most epic live action battle scene ever. So epic. Over 2k in real Calvery alone!!!!!!! 1970's movie I highly , highly recommend it watch it before this one.

I cannot believe Ridley is 85. The man is sharp!

The man is over 80 and he's still filming epics like this and Gladiator 2; that's truly remarkable.

I love how youthful and energetic Ridley still seems to be. For a man of his age it's inspirational to see him still tackling these epic productions. I hope he can follow in the footsteps of Clint Eastwood & keep directing into his nineties. He's one of the greats & i wish him continued good health & success.

Napoleon never led a cavalry charge. This goes to show how accurate this movie is going to be. Still, I am looking forward to watching this movie.

Thoroughly recommend a visit to Waterloo if you're into history. Wellington's HQ in the town, Napoleon's HQ at the farm, Hougemont, all still there and accessible. Museum at the battlefield is underneath, lots of uniforms on display and so much to read. 30mins by train from Brussels. Buses in the town take you to a 5min walk from Lions Mound.

It's crazy, I was just thinking that the Austerlitz pond scene resembled the opening battle of Gladiator. And Scott confirms that it was indeed filmed in the same place 😅

I think anyone who has read even one historical book about Napoleon would cry watching this movie. It's a fantasy for 7-10 years old children, not a historical movie.

While I'm certainly intrigued by his perspective as a film maker, I do question his simplistic thoughts on the books about him (Napoleon/ historical figures)- yes, sometimes the earliest accounts come from eyewitnesses/ people who had access to eyewitnesses/ information, & later accounts might be written long after eyewitnesses are dead- but beyond authorial bias, the information available can change over time, too. Some writers have a role that allows them access to information that others simply aren't privy to. For others, Government documents become accessible after a certain amount of time- people leave hithertofore unknown artefacts & private papers to museums & whathaveyou. So long as a writer applies a rigorous standard (knowing the background of sources, & so on) - there's no reason a newer work can't be just as valid as the first. And saying 'Were _you_ there?' is a foolish retort; No, I wasn't there for Marie Antoinette's execution, but there *is* documentation for it- we know the date, the month & the year (& thus, the likely weather)- preceding events are also known (she attracted a great deal of sympathy during her trial, due to the vileness of some of the accusations leveled at her)- so that can give a stronger impression of her attitude & mindset (unlikely she was haughty & arrogant, & that the entire crowd was screaming abuse at her) We also know what she was wearing- because she'd *requested* to wear black, & the revolutionary authority _forced_ her to wear white; her hair was cut short at the prison & she was made don a mobcap. We _also_ know how she came to her execution (the route, means, & company)- as well as the process for it. I'm not trying to sh*t on the movie, or anything- but if so much was gotten wrong in such a small section, then I do have to wonder how _so _*_much_* of Napoleon's life & reign, & campaigns can be accurately depicted in a movie, rather than a mini-series...

What's with the bashing of VFX artists lately? There's thousands of us artists working REALLY hard to bring you films as realistic as we possibly can. Claiming it's "all practical" is just not true. This film will be the same. The immediate foreground and actors may be real, but it'll be all digital extensions beyond, digital doubles and crowds (especially those in the line of fire), digital explosions (too dangerous on set), digital boats with CG water, and many other smaller CG elements and corrections all over the shot. So a big shout out to all the VFX artists that did such a seamless job on this from MPC, ILM, Bluebolt, Outpost VFX, One of Us, Light VFX, In-house, PFX and Ghost VFX. Awesome job!

So glad to have been a subscriber for over 2 years just fir this very moment here thank you to all involved behind the scenes helping generations of all ages rediscover all of human history here on this channel

When I saw Ridley Scott was talking about his new movie I CLICKED THE THUMBNAIL SO FREAKING FAST!!!!!!

As a historian I find it a bit worrying what Mr. Scott has said about historical accuracy here in general. Of course, he is an artist making a movie, not a documentary, all right, but Mr. Snow should have replied something. 'Were you there?' and 'the first book was maybe the most accurate' - these are among the worst takes on history and historical accuracy I ever heard.

It amazes me how this man at 85 years of age manages to bring us a large scale, historical epic in which overshadows most of younger directors nowadays.

No CGI?Come on,I bet there is a ton of it.

Besides Oppenheimer, this is the movie I have been wanting to see the most all year!

"Once you get to 399 books on Napoleon, that's a lot of speculation ... " Er no... that's now how the historical method works. Historians are supposed to build upon the work that their predecessors produced, so that by the time you've got hundreds of texts, there is much more certainty about the events that are being investigated and documented. I used to think that Ridley Scott had a bit of substance. My goodness, how wrong I was.

Ridleys comment there about historical accuracy, he's so dismissive and has already made up his mind to retell history his way. I wonder, how easy is he to work with if you were an onsite historian, advising on the script... Sounds like a tough job.

This man is 86-years-old and still making these large-scale, epic films. Amazing.

In an age of streaming, and race to the bottom production quality, it feels like Ridley Scott is single handedly keeping major cinema alive.

This could easily be a 8 seasons TV series.

As a huge fan of Ridley Scott's first Napoleonic movie The Duellists, I hope that the characters Armand d'Hubert and Gabriel Feraud get a cameo in this film.

Ridley Scott is 85. What a legend. Still has the passion for making films.

Very exited to see it. It must be a massive undertaking to have so much content in a single movie

Claims they don't use CGI and literally EVERY single clip in this video has some form of CGI in it. Literally every single shot.

I’m so glad there is finally a big spotlight on Napoleon. People don’t realize how important he was to history. People mostly know him for a short French dude or his loss at Waterloo. Not how he ran Europe for a decade

Oh my goodness! This might be your best get yet- It is an honor to watch your time with Ridley.

I am a bigger fan of Lord Nelson, but Napoleon was truly the most important figure of the 1800s.

400 books on Napoleon? More like TENS OF THOUSANDS! This is one of the most documented men in all of history. This movie was a character assassination.

Ridley Scott is my Favorite Director of all Time Followed him since the Duelist

I absolutely cannot wait for this. That Waterloo battle scene, that formation of the square to being surrounded by the Dragoons...WOW. JUST WOW. Counting down the days!!! HUZZAH!

Ridley Scott, I love his movies, I just really enjoy his work, in my eyes he is a genius with a brilliant mind.

His film The Duellists is extremely good.

This man is 85 years old? Good for you, Sir Ridley!

🙏 Respect & Salute to Sir Ridley Scott >>> One of the Legendary Movie Director of our generation! Many Happy Good Blessings in Return to Sir Ridley Scott ... 🌷🌿🌎💜🕊🇬🇧

Great interview. Can’t wait to see another classic brilliant movie from Ridley. Thanks for sharing.

No one could beat 1970 Waterloo movie which used 15,000 costumed military extra people. No one will ever beat this masssive of people in future ever.

I haven't been to a theater to see a film in years , this will get my butt in seat

Thank you so much for all the movies Ridley.

Napoleon was a remarkable character of history!

Hollywood...meh.. Now Imagine several seasons covering not only the main character Napoleon but all his 26 marechal / marshals , this would be splendid! all their factions , beginnings , the beginnings before the Republic - the old regime generals that fought for the Republic - the Pyrynees front , the Alps front , the Rhein front etc. gradually showing - Berthie , Jean Bernadotte , Davout , Murat , Ney , Souchet , Soult , Bessières , Massena , Serurier , Lefebvre and their wives , their friendships and also their disdain toward each other , it is so much more complex. I would pay prime $ to have all these covered , also the rest of his marshals too ,battles other generals that were brighter but never had the privilege to become marshals with the baton.

I love historical epics with real extras and battles scenes like the way David Lean Akira Kurosawa. Sergio Leone, Serge Eisenstein. Used to do

Ridley’s storyboard of Alien is a fantastic piece of artwork and worth googling

I can't wait to see this. It looks EPIC. Love Ridley Scott movies.

I’d like to hear sir Ridley Scott’s opinion of the 1927 silent version of Napoleon or the epic soviet production of war and peace.

I'm worried about how this film manages to condense 20 years of Napoleon's life into a two and a half hour movie.

Siempre agradecida a éste gran director de cine!! 1492 la conquista del Paraíso! Siempre ageadecida!

This brings him full circle back to his first film The Duallists known for its phenomenal cinematography using natural lighting. I hope the cinematography is just as good in Napoleon.

My biggest concern is how credibly a 49-year-old Joaquin Phoenix can portray a 24-year-old Napoleon at Toulon in 1793.

As someone who thought that Rod Steiger in Waterloo was the standard, I will definetly see this. I just hope there is a Director's Cut available because those always carry about an hour more. Vive la' emporer.

Not a fan of Ridley's answer to the historical accuracy question. I'm sure the movie will be exceptionally well put together but I have many doubts about the historicity, especially since there were three major inaccuracies in the trailer alone.

What a fantastic historical figure to pick, from an important time period that is often forgotten.

Just watched it last night. 80% confusing, non related scenes of “melancholy” painting Napoleon out to be a bit of a simp. Obviously he was one of the greatest leaders in history, don’t get the sense from that movie. 20% war scenes. Visually spectacular with the costumes, set design, and special effects amazing. Just felt underwhelmed coming out of the theatre. 6/10

this Napoleon looks depressed, he was bipolar if anything… but full of energy.

The interviewer was absolutely SLOBBING on mr Scott’s member. Like I think I could hear the gurgling the entire interview.

Ridley must be one of the most efficient directors out there. He knows what he's doing and goes about it with enormous gusto. He would probably also be the last one standing in a bar brawl.

Love Snow and his father too. They are the history Attenboroughs

How refreshing to see a movie like in the old days, with so many extras on a set. This will be a instant classic (IMO).

Could I adore History Hit and Dan Snow any more than I do??? No chance, loved this

THIS IS EVERYTHING I WANTED. THANK U.

The interview and outtakes have me even more excited about watching another Ridley Scott epic!!!

This film will be great I don’t doubt it but the attitude Ridley has towards historical accuracy is slightly concerning. It’s obviously ok to take liberties in this regard, especially for things that the audience won’t really remember, but the depiction of Austerlitz already doesn’t look great, and could easily be seen as fact by people. It’s arguably the most important battle to get right too as it was his masterpiece.

Excellent production in every way !! Well done History Hit !!

Cant wait to see this.We did the catering for this film,and i have to say it was one of the most challenging films to work on.....but totally worth it.😊

Im a history nerd, but I'm also a movie buff so im gonna watch the movie to get entertained. Can't wait for his next movie too

About time a film finally worth watching on the big screen and worth bloody paying for

Can't wait to see this!

Ridley’s 2 major flaws: comments on historical accuracy are hilariously bad. He fundamentally doesn’t understand Napoleon and Josephine’s relationship. He’s taking his relationship of 1796-1799 and projecting it to 1796-his divorce without understanding things very much changed. Josephine did come to love him. And they did have a very happy relationship (even though he had a few dozen affairs)

His films always look incredibly beautiful

So ready!!!

It's definitely a movie I want to see. If it's a Ridley Scott movie, it'll be worth it.

Ridley Scott is the only one who can portray the scenes in the film so well, and of course he is at the very top with the stories themselves, and he is very good there. Genius.