First Glimpse at Joaquin Phoenix and Vanessa Kirby in ‘Napoleon’ Unveils Their Dynamic On-Screen Connection

DIGGING DEEPER
Joaquin Phoenix and Vanessa Kirby fully committed to bringing a sense of truthfulness to their depiction of the tumultuous relationship between Napoleon and Josephine, steering clear of period drama stereotypes. The duo decided to introduce unexpected and unscripted elements to their performances, enhancing their depth and unpredictability. The strong rapport between Phoenix and Kirby is on full display in the inaugural image, where their characters seem engrossed and captivated in an intimate shared moment.

Ridley Scott’s take on Napoleon is eagerly awaited by historical drama enthusiasts. With Joaquin Phoenix in the main role, the film is set to provide a close-up view of the tumultuous life and ascent to power of the French ruler through his turbulent relationship with his wife, Empress Josephine. It has been disclosed earlier that Phoenix’s participation and collaboration greatly moulded and affected the character. It seems Phoenix extended this collaboration with his co-star Vanessa Kirby, who portrays the empress consort and Napoleon’s wife.

Empire Magazine released a fresh image providing the first glimpse at the dynamic interaction between Phoenix and Kirby as Napoleon and Josephine. The two appear entirely engrossed in a shared moment, evidently enamoured with each other. Phoenix and Kirby went above and beyond to authentically portray the stormy relationship between the historical pair. In a related interview, Phoenix shared their objective to break free from period drama stereotypes and surprise each other.

The Artistic Alliance of Joaquin Phoenix and Vanessa Kirby

Commenting on their partnership, Kirby appreciated having a “…creative ally, reassuring each other, ‘Everything is safe. I’m here with you. And we will explore the darkest corners together.’” The duo made considerable efforts to introduce surprising aspects in their performances, Phoenix recalled their pact, “Our aim was to take each other by surprise and attempt to form moments that weren’t pre-planned,” adding, “since we both aimed to sidestep the stereotypes of period dramas. This means avoiding premeditated and structured scenes.”

Image courtesy of Empire

Aspiring to construct a depiction of the tumultuous relationship the real-life couple shared, replete with volatility, anguish, and fervour, “We never really deciphered it completely,” admits Phoenix. Nonetheless, the actors’ collaboration resulted in a crucial off-the-cuff scene where Napoleon strikes Josephine during their divorce proceedings, “We were quoting the actual words from their church divorce,” clarifies Kirby. “Under such circumstances, one can simply enact a historical reiteration of it, read the lines and then retire. However, our constant goal was to take each other by surprise.” Regarding the love between the real-life Napoleon and Josephine, Phoenix observes,

“I’m unsure if it can be termed love. I don’t quite know what to call it. But we encouraged and pushed each other, to challenge ourselves to deliver shocks in moments. And that’s what resulted from that particular moment.”

Napoleon will be released in theatres on November 22.

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More about Napoleon film

• Empire Magazine’s First Look at Napoleon
• Ridley Scott’s filmography
• Joaquin Phoenix’s acting career
• Vanessa Kirby’s acting career
• Background on Napoleon and Josephine’s relationship