Napoleon was a contentious film released in 2023. The renowned filmmaker Paul Schrader has strong feelings about Joaquin Phoenix’s casting as the movie’s lead actor in light of the criticism.
The Taxi Driver screenwriter criticized the Oscar winner in the historical drama in an interview with the French daily Le Monde, stating, “First of all, it’s a casting problem,” adding that Joaquin Phoenix is the least endearing actor now working. How could a man so unremarkable achieve so many military feats? We don’t even remotely accept it.”
During the discussion, the seasoned filmmaker expressed his admiration for Francis Ford Coppola’s perseverance in finishing his next film, Megalopolis.
“It’s Francis Ford Coppola’s thing; he’s always loved big toys,” the 77-year-old said. “He gave up his vineyards to make the movie ‘Megalopolis,’ which I am eager to watch.” The surplus of resources needs to be put to very specific use.”
“The film ‘The Wild Bunch’ (1969) required four or five months of filming,” the note reads. It was appropriate because he was documenting the end of the Western!”
