Do movies need to accurately reflect history? Yes, says historian Alan Strauss-Schom, who wrote the landmark 1997 biography “Napoleon Bonaparte.”
“There’s plenty of information. People do not have to invent material. If the person who prepares the script does his research, he will find more than enough material to cover a subject. He does not have to invent it,” said Mr. Strauss-Schom, the founder of the French Colonial Historical Society.
Historians have panned Ridley Scott’s big-budget epic. While some inaccuracies may seem relatively minor — for instance, Bonaparte never rode a horse into battle while slashing his saber, as he is depicted in the film — the criticisms amount to something rather important, historically speaking. The film fails to convey why Napoleon was one of the most influential, transformative figures in modern European history.
In this episode of History As It Happens, Mr. Strauss-Schom discusses Napoleon’s tactical military genius, unique personality, style of dictatorial rule and enduring reforms, such as the Napoleonic Code.
“He was a genius. One may like or dislike Napoleon, but his achievements could only have been accomplished by a genius,” he said.
History As It Happens is available at washingtontimes.com or wherever you find your podcasts.
