History tells that Napoleon Bonaparte landed in Malta in June of 1798 on his way to Egypt and in the seven days he stayed here he revolutionised the entire legal and social systems and abolished slavery. He was so ahead of his time that some of the laws he established then are still in force today! Bonaparte sailed to Alexandria on 19 June, never to return.
Or so you thought.
Some local newspapers this week reported that famed director Ridley Scott (Alien, Gladiator, Kingdom of Heaven, Black Hawk Down, The Duellists, gosh the list is endless!!!) is shooting his new movie Kitbag in Malta.Or parts of it at least. The subject? Napoleon’s early years and his ascent to power culminating in Austerlitz. The Emperor returns! Huzzah!
Scott shot most of Gladiator here in Malta back in 2001 or therabouts with Russel Crowe and Joachim Phoenix so it’s not too surprising that Phoenix will be returning to Malta as well interpreting the part of Napoleon. When shooting Gladiator Scott enlisted hundreds of locals as extras for crowd scenes and such so it’s logical to expect that a similar number of people if not more will be needed to re-enact Napoleonic troops and civilians. With this in mind me and my mates - most of whom are very experienced Napoleonic re-enactors and have travelled most of Napoleon’s battlefields - will be keeping our eyes and ears open for opportunities to take part in the film. One thing is certain - at 5’5” or thereabouts don't expect to see me as a Grognard!
If this materialises filming wouldn’t start before next year probably. In the meantime, watch this space......
Mike, Ridley will want you as a dashing Hussar!
ReplyDeleteFine, as long as the unit stays dismounted!
DeleteOooo sounds interesting?
ReplyDeleteIndeed Ray. We’ll be on the lookout for any opening.
DeleteNice - this would be a great thing to see on screen!
ReplyDeleteSometimes Hollywood tends to get liberal with historical episodes for that extra bit of drama. I’m hoping they stick to historically accurate facts for this movie.
DeleteI also hear there is a U S Grant movie in the works. We both can be happy. 😁
ReplyDeleteDidn’t know this other piece of good news! Definitely happier now! 😎
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