Controversy over “Napoleon shooting” the Sphinx and the Pyramids of Giza

The American historical film “Napoleon,” by international director Ridley Scott, which cost about $200 million, achieved remarkable success in terms of viewership and income, but it sparked widespread criticism on the historical and artistic levels, because it contained scenes different from what happened in reality, most notably footage of the launching of troops. Napoleon Bonaparte shot the Sphinx and the Pyramids of Giza during his campaign in 1798. The film, which is currently showing in American cinemas, presented the character of Napoleon Bonaparte, through a new perspective, as he appears in him through two paths, one through his relationship with his army and his country, France, and the other through his love for “Josephine.” .

Professor at the American University in Cairo, Salima Akram, said, “There is no evidence that the French campaign led by Bonaparte fired its fire at the nose of the Sphinx,” continuing, “He certainly did not direct fire at the pyramids, and what we know is that he did not hold the Sphinx and the pyramids in high esteem, and took advantage of their presence.” To obtain more glory through it.”

Egyptian critic Tarek El-Shenawy said, “There is criticism due to historical errors, including the Battle of the Pyramids that took place in Egypt, but Ridley Scott said that he presents a visual vision, not a historical one, and this phrase will become rich material for dialogue and controversy, dealing with the director’s freedom to add or delete facts.” Documented in history for his visual vision.”

For his part, Scott said in response to these criticisms, “I do not know whether Napoleon Bonaparte did that or not, but for me it was a quick way to say that this is how Egypt was controlled at that time.”

Historian Michael Boyers said: “There are events that Scott had to pass quickly, and there is a different sequence of events from reality, with the aim of making them easier for the viewer to follow, and clearly the shooting at the pyramids can be understood in this context, as nothing like this actually happened during the French campaign.” On Egypt in 1798, but it was interesting that the film contained footage of this kind.”

When discussing with director Scott that he would do so, he said, “When you said that we would film shooting in front of the pyramids, you laughed, didn’t you?” “So it will be so.”