Write On: 'Napoleon' Writer David Scarpa

“We can’t make Lawrence of Arabia anymore – not that that’s not a
good movie, but it’s kind of a thing of the past,” says
screenwriter David Scarpa about writing the script for Napoleon.


Scarpa says both he and director Ridley Scott wanted to bring a
freshness to the historical figure from our history books by,
“Showing the more irreverent, dark, more psychologically
motivated side of [Napoleon].”


In our conversation, we dig into writing the battle scenes at
Toulon and Austerlitz and how to know when to stick to history
and when to embellish scenes for dramatic effect.


We also talk about the complicated relationship between Napoleon
and Josephine, played by Joaquin Phoenix and Vanessa Kirby,
respectively, in the film, and how the power dynamics shift
through the movie.


And if you’re wondering why Josephine has short, spiky hair at
the beginning of the film – Scarpa gives an explanation based on
the shocking fashion trends of the time period that will make
your blood run cold.     


David also gives his expert advice on tackling historical figures
and finding the scintillating details that may have been lost to
history.  “[Take] those little moments that tell a part of
the story that you wouldn’t have otherwise known and then expand
on those. Find things that are so small, they’re relatable on a
human level,” says Scarpa.