Ridley Scott Slams French Critics Who Don’t Like ‘Napoleon’: “The French Don’t Even Like Themselves”

Ridley Scott is a man who has earned the right to be a bit… brash with his comments. This is a right given to someone who has created multiple iconic films over the course of his career, literally inspiring generations of filmmakers with works like “Alien” and “Blade Runner.” So, when critics start taking him to task because of “Napoleon,” he clearly couldn’t care less.

READ MORE: ‘Napoleon’: Ridley Scott Thinks People Who Are Concerned About Historical Accuracy Need To “Get A Life”

Speaking to the BBC, while promoting the release of his new historical epic, “Napoleon,” Ridley Scott is just as brutally honest as ever before. Especially when it comes to critics who are upset with the historic accuracy of his latest drama. And in France, the home of Napoleon, you can’t be surprised that critics are going to be especially harsh, considering the liberties taken by Scott in the film (American accents on French characters, the whole pyramid battle, etc…). To the French critics who aren’t pleased with his depiction of the prominent historical figure, Scott really only has one reply.

READ MORE: ‘Napoleon’ Review: Ridley Scott And A Solid Cast Deliver A Brutal, Engaging History Lesson 

“The French don’t even like themselves,” Scott said. “The audience that I showed it to in Paris, they loved it.”

As to the folks who are just generally concerned with the accuracy of the film, the filmmaker said, “Were you there? Oh you weren’t there. Then how do you know?”

READ MORE: Ridley Scott Won’t Make A Superhero Movie Despite Offers To Do So Because “The Stories Are F*cking Better” In His Own Movies

You honestly can’t help but laugh when you read comments like this. There’s really just no other way to react. Critics who point out inaccuracies in the story have every right to do so, as this is a film that aims to tell people about one of the most influential figures in world history, but you also can’t blame Scott for shitting on them a little too. I mean, he’s just defending his art, right?

That said, there are definitely folks who enjoyed the film. (Our own review is pretty positive.) And Ridley Scott, above all else, is a storyteller and entertainer, so you have to assume the film is a fun ride. “Napoleon” hits theaters on November 22.