Title: Ridley Scott’s “Napoleon” Makes Grand Debut at World Premiere in Paris
In an extraordinary move, Sony’s motion picture group chairman and CEO, Tom Rothman, opted to hold the highly anticipated world premiere of Ridley Scott’s “Napoleon” in the heart of Paris. The decision was largely influenced by the film’s French DNA and captivating subject matter.
Interestingly, despite the involvement of tech giant Apple as the movie’s financier, the French audience will have to exercise patience before they can access the film through the company’s streaming service. Owing to France’s stringent windowing regulations, Apple will have to wait a lengthy 17-month period before releasing “Napoleon” to the French audience. This delay further highlights the film’s significance and the immersive experience it promises on the big screens.
Commending Apple for its steadfast support, Rothman expressed his belief that “Napoleon” is a cinematic masterpiece that deserves to be viewed in all its grandeur. Moreover, Apple has cemented its commitment to the traditional theater experience by also planning a theatrical release in France for Martin Scorsese’s eagerly awaited film, “Killers of the Flower Moon,” ahead of its streaming debut in 2025.
Ridley Scott, the acclaimed director behind “Napoleon,” took the opportunity to express his gratitude towards Apple for their unwavering financial support, trusting him with a generous budget. Producer Kevin J. Walsh further elaborated on the film’s production process, revealing that “Napoleon” was made with a budget of under $200 million, emphasizing the decision to rely less on CGI while utilizing intricate in-camera scenes.
Describing Scott as a master strategist, Walsh detailed the director’s meticulous preparations alongside his department heads, approaching each film as a battlefield where every move is carefully calculated.
The film’s star, Vanessa Kirby, discussed her admiration for her character, Josephine de Beauharnais, shedding light on the challenges faced by women in a predominantly masculine world. Meanwhile, Tahar Rahim, who rarely ventures into period dramas, applauded Scott’s directing prowess and his ability to manage multiple cameras and large-scale sets.
The Paris premiere of “Napoleon” garnered significant attention from esteemed French AMPAS voters, leaving a lasting impression ahead of the awards season. Rothman expressed his longing hope that Ridley Scott, who is yet to win an Academy Award, will finally be recognized for his exceptional work with “Napoleon.”
The eagerly anticipated film is set to hit theaters worldwide on November 22, promising audiences an immersive and visually captivating experience that epitomizes the grandeur of Napoleon’s extraordinary story.
