The Napoleonic Quarterly

In the eighth and final 15 minutes of our screenplay treatment, Napoleon really is trying to get this one last job done by completing the Brumaire coup. But his bid for his ultimate goal requires an unexpected sacrifice and is dependent on an essential contribution from his now thoroughly beloved Josephine. With a new framing device underlining the crucial role of Paul Barras in this story as the antagonist, we're sprinting for a finish line - and a certain comfy chair for our leading man.

Yes, it's episode nine of our screenwriting escapade, in which we complete our mission of crafting a top-notch screenplay treatment about the life of Napoleon Bonaparte. Alex Stevenson is joined by James Topham (who knows a thing or two about screenwriting) and Ben Deery (who knows a thing or two about acting) to put the movie world to rights. Having analysed the pitfalls and frustrations of Ridley Scott's Napoleon 2023 in the first season the Napoleon Movie Quarter-Hourly, this time round the team have tried their uppermost to come up with the magic themselves.

As our resident artificial aide-de-camp NAIpoleon Bot-aparte puts it:

• [02:27] The Recap of the "Rotten Pear": James catches us up on Act Three so far, featuring Napoleon’s desertion from Egypt, a "titanic" row with Josephine, and a dinner with Barras that changes everything.

• [12:12] History is a Farce: Alex reads from Zamoyski’s biography, revealing the hilarious historical reality of the coup: a bucking horse, a stress-induced facial rash, and a very "undone" Napoleon.

• [17:03] Dramatic Masterstroke or "Sh*tshow"?: The team debates whether Napoleon’s historical bungling of the coup is a screenwriting disaster or an ironic opportunity for a "stunning performance."

• [19:13] The Ultimate Sacrifice: Alex pitches a thematic climax where Napoleon trades his "Great Man" dignity and romantic ideals for the grubbiness of actual power.

• [21:45] The Novella as a Blunt Instrument: Ben suggests a high-action alternative involving Napoleon beating a man unconscious with his own rolled-up novella manuscript.

• [28:35] The Framing Device Rabbit Hole: A deep dive into the art of the framing device, featuring references to The Princess Bride, Amadeus, and the "triangle" used in the World Snooker Championship.

• [33:10] Perspectives on a Dinner: The hosts pitch a circular narrative structure that uses a dinner with Barras to show how the "urbane puppet master" became the man who "owes Napoleon everything."

• [43:03] Marinara in the Sticks: Exploring the "fitting end" for Barras—sidelined to a provincial town like Ray Liotta at the end of Goodfellas with nothing but bad pasta sauce for company.

• [45:28] The Bonaparte Whisperer: Josephine finally gets an active role in the heist, proving she is a master survivor who knows exactly how to handle smitten Directory presidents and resignation letters.

• [52:36] The Dictator’s Comfy Chair: The team lands on a final image involving a circular seating arrangement, an enigmatic grin, and the most crucial question of the production: "Who is going to play the pug?"

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Our recap episodes, which offer a synthesis of our 1792-1804 coverage one year at a time, have reached 1800 - a year in which Napoleon Bonaparte achieves one of his greatest victories to consolidate his new position of power in France. Chris Sloan talks presenter Alex Stevenson through specific key clips he's picked out from our old episodes grouped around four themes which, we argue, help frame the period and shape our understanding of it in a whole new way. We hope this will provide a helpful refresh for longstanding listeners - whilst at the same time offering an 'entry ramp' to the podcast for those who want to get up to speed relatively easily before we crash full-speed into the intensity of the Napoleonic Wars.

This episode covers a 12-month period in which Bonaparte's victory at Marengo ensures success in the Italian campaign - but it's Moreau's big result at Hohenlinden later in the year which arguably proves more decisive. Ultimately 1800 is a year in which there are lots of developments bubbling up all over the place: the US election, the British busy against the French in Egypt, the Act of Union between Britain and Ireland, the Septinsular Republic formed in the Ionian Islands, Tsar Paul forming the League of Armed Neutrality... and a proto-car bomb very nearly ending Bonaparte's life to round things off. Everything, everywhere, all at once.

Help us produce more episodes by supporting the Napoleonic Quarterly on Patreon: patreon.com/napoleonicquarterly

In the seventh and penultimate 15 minutes of our screenplay treatment, Napoleon is back in France to go for the top prize - power. But his bid for his ultimate goal is not going to be straightforward and he has to accept that in order to achieve this, he'll have to put aside romantic dreams and do what matters to get this one last job done. That means a new approach to his unfaithful wife Josephine; a reckoning with our antagonist Paul Barras; and a new kind of battlefield - the Council of Five Hundred.

Yes, it's episode eight of our screenwriting escapade, in which we continue to forge ahead in our mission of crafting a top-notch screenplay treatment about the life of Napoleon Bonaparte. Alex Stevenson is joined by James Topham (who knows a thing or two about screenwriting) and Ben Deery (who knows a thing or two about acting) to put the movie world to rights. Having analysed the pitfalls and frustrations of Ridley Scott's Napoleon 2023 in the first season the Napoleon Movie Quarter-Hourly, this time round the team have to come up with the magic themselves.

As our resident artificial aide-de-camp NAIpoleon Bot-aparte puts it:

• Alex Stevenson introduces the climax phase of the Napoleon screenplay project and acknowledges the contributions of James Topham and Ben Deery 00:00.

• Ben Deery revisits an underappreciated Sphinx joke from previous episodes, sparking playful banter about comedic appreciation 00:01:16.

• James Topham recaps the emotional and psychological journey of Napoleon in Act 2, culminating in a brutal turning point during the Egyptian campaign 00:03:01.

• Introduction and breakdown of Act 3 structure: the internal-external conflict resolution, new plans, and the heightened sense of sacrifice Napoleon must undergo 00:10:03.

• Deep dive into the historical coup of Brumaire, exploring how Napoleon’s ambiguous resolve and political struggles can be mapped onto the screenplay’s climax 00:13:01.

• Discussion of antagonist dynamics: Paul Barras must return as a strong opposition for the final act, including possible narrative liberties to heighten his role 00:24:28.

• Insight into the B story: Napoleon and Josephine’s tumultuous reunion, tying personal and political stakes together in a pivotal emotional scene 00:34:05.

• Reference to classic films and psychological theories (e.g., High Society, Taxi Driver, Madonna-Whore complex) to illustrate character developments and narrative arcs 00:39:34.

• Strategizing the depiction of the coup’s high-stakes drama—physical peril, the threat of the guillotine, and how to visually and emotionally convey Napoleon’s critical risk 00:52:13.

• Closing with an explanation of the filmic denouement: what “new normal” the world and characters face after Napoleon’s victory, and teaser for the next episode’s focus on wrapping up the screenplay 00:54:54.

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Our recap episodes, which offer a synthesis of our 1792-1804 coverage one year at a time, have reached 1799 - a year in which Napoleon Bonaparte achieves an astonishing turnaround in fortunes which ends with him in power. Chris Sloan talks presenter Alex Stevenson through specific key clips he's picked out from our old episodes grouped around four themes which, we argue, help frame the period and shape our understanding of it in a whole new way. We hope this will provide a helpful refresh for longstanding listeners - whilst at the same time offering an 'entry ramp' to the podcast for those who want to get up to speed relatively easily before we crash full-speed into the intensity of the Napoleonic Wars.

This episode covers a 12-month period in which Bonaparte's failed Syrian campaign leads him to attempt the desperate gamble of a return to France - which dramatically pays off when, somehow, he emerges as the country's ruler after the coup of Brumaire. That is the culmination of a remarkable year of fighting in Italy and Switzerland, with Russian heroics under the leadership of Suvorov and gritty French defence led by Massena. There really is so much going on - from the Anglo-Russian invasion of Holland to the fall of Naples, from the siege of Malta to the diplomacy of the Second Coalition - what a year 1799 truly is.

Help us produce more episodes by supporting the Napoleonic Quarterly on Patreon: patreon.com/napoleonicquarterly

In the sixth 15-minute section of our screenplay, Napoleon plunges into his darkest hour. Reeling from betrayal and defeat, he confronts the plague-ridden horrors of his campaign in the Levant and faces the brutal consequences of war, both on the battlefield and within himself. The myth of his invincibility shatters as failed sieges and the massacre at Jaffa weigh on his conscience. Josephine’s infidelity and his own disillusionment reach a crisis, forcing Napoleon towards a reckoning with his ambitions, relationships, and the cost of power. As despair and self-doubt threaten to overwhelm him, the stage is set for the transformation that will propel him towards his final bid for greatness.

Yes, it's episode seven of our screenwriting escapade, in which we continue to forge ahead in our mission of crafting a top-notch screenplay treatment about the life of Napoleon Bonaparte. Alex Stevenson is joined by James Topham (who knows a thing or two about screenwriting) and Ben Deery (who knows a thing or two about acting) to put the movie world to rights. Having analysed the pitfalls and frustrations of Ridley Scott's Napoleon 2023 in the first season the Napoleon Movie Quarter-Hourly, this time round the team have to come up with the magic themselves.

As our resident artificial aide-de-camp NAIpoleon Bot-aparte puts it:

Alex Stevenson opens the episode by reflecting on its many possible names, likening it to the Beatles' White Album, and notes listener feedback they’ve received for discussion 00:00:10.

01:03 - All three speakers share significant personal updates in rapid-fire, overlapping fashion to create comedic confusion for the audience

04:01 - James Topham reveals the existence of a secret WhatsApp chat with Benjamin Deery (excluding Alex Stevenson), mirroring earlier feelings of exclusion

05:52 - James Topham debuts a homemade Napoleon movie trailer, involving Benjamin Deery performing in different voices, to energize the creative process

12:04 - James Topham recaps the previous episode: Napoleon is exiled to Egypt under the guise of glory, his fleet is destroyed, and he discovers Josephine’s infidelity, marking his lowest point

20:24 - A historical debate occurs: Alex Stevenson clarifies that Napoleon was enthusiastic about Egypt rather than simply exiled, and discusses how both his ambitions and the political machinations of others shaped his choices

29:38 - The group discusses the "dark night of the soul" as a structural turning point, emphasizing Napoleon’s internal reckoning after a series of personal and military setbacks, rather than a literal period of inaction

33:30 - Alex Stevenson details three major events for Napoleon’s crisis: the plague hospital at Jaffa, a war crime (massacre of prisoners), and the failed siege of Acre—all contributing to his psychological breaking point

41:29 - The B story (Josephine’s infidelity) is revealed to have a psychological turning point for both characters, paralleling Napoleon’s emotional hardening and the collapse of romantic idealism

51:01 - The hosts reveal a major twist: this project is envisioned as a trilogy, meaning there’s much more story (and podcasting) ahead than Benjamin Deery anticipated, much to his mock dismay

Help us produce more episodes by supporting the Napoleonic Quarterly on Patreon: patreon.com/napoleonicquarterly

Charles Esdaile has a lot to get off his chest when it comes to the Battle of Waterloo - which is why he surprised me recently by asking to do what turned into a three-hour mythbusting session working through what he thinks everyone's getting wrong about the ultimate Napoleonic encounter.

As this podcast won't be making it to Waterloo for years and years - we're talking the 2030s here, people - I'm not going to stick it up on the main feed right now. On the other hand, it's too good to just be left sitting on the shelf. So this week it's been made available to our esteemed Quartermasters on Patreon, some of whom have already been very kind about it - and leaving lots of comments of their own.

The support this podcast receives through Patreon is essential to the continuing success and sustainability of the project. If you're not signed up already but listen regularly, we'd all be grateful if you gave it some consideration.

Our recap episodes, which offer a synthesis of our 1792-1804 coverage one year at a time, have reached 1798 - a year in which Napoleon Bonaparte leads an astonishingly bold expedition to capture Egypt for France, which is going astonishingly badly by the end of the year. Chris Sloan talks presenter Alex Stevenson through specific key clips he's picked out from our old episodes grouped around four themes which, we argue, help frame the period and shape our understanding of it in a whole new way. We hope this will provide a helpful refresh for longstanding listeners - whilst at the same time offering an 'entry ramp' to the podcast for those who want to get up to speed relatively easily before we crash full-speed into the intensity of the Napoleonic Wars.

This episode covers a 12-month period simply dominated by the Egyptian gambit. Dreams of becoming another Alexander the Great seem to be turning into a mirage as elusive as that seen in the dust of the Egyotian desert, with Horatio Nelson destroying the French fleet at the Battle of the Nile and unrest and disquiet in Cairo to deal with in the Upper Nile. This year also sees more developments across all our ongoing storylines. France continues to bully Italian politics; the Revolution continues to sort-of grind on with the Coup of Floreal; there is a major intervention against the Swiss; and, above all, the Irish attempt to secure indepedence from the British is dealt with in a grimly decisive fashion. This is a year in which Napoleon grabs all the headlines - but let's not forget just how important 1798 was for Ireland, too.

Help us produce more episodes by supporting the Napoleonic Quarterly on Patreon: patreon.com/napoleonicquarterly

In the fifth 15-minute section of our screenplay, Napoleon’s journey takes a sharp, downward turn. Success is replaced by mounting setbacks as our hero heads to Egypt - an ambiguous mission that isolates him from power and allies. The Directory’s antagonism grows ever more apparent, Josephine’s betrayals come to light, and disaster strikes in the form of Nelson’s fleet. As loyalty in his own ranks falters, Napoleon faces not only external foes but the erosion of his own myth, setting the stage for the looming low point of his story.

In episode six of our screenwriting escapade we continue to forge ahead in our mission of crafting a top-notch screenplay treatment about the life of Napoleon Bonaparte. Alex Stevenson is joined by James Topham (who knows a thing or two about screenwriting) and Ben Deery (who knows a thing or two about acting) to put the movie world to rights. Having analysed the pitfalls and frustrations of Ridley Scott's Napoleon 2023 in the first season the Napoleon Movie Quarter-Hourly, this time round the team have to come up with the magic themselves.

This episode features a bonus contribution from our own Prof Alexander Mikaberidze from 35:40 - explaining the precise nature of the incontrovertible evidence of Josephine's infidelity which Junot is supposed to have presented to Bonaparte...

As our resident bot NAIpoleon Bot-aparte puts it:

A Playful Opening and Format Mash-Up

The episode begins with a tongue-in-cheek parody intro as “Cavalry Matters,” poking fun at historical drama tropes and AI-generated content, before moving into the “Napoleon movie” project focus 00:00:09.

Introduction of the Team and Their Roles

Alex Stevenson introduces the project collaborators: Benjamin Deery (acting expertise) and James Topham (screenwriting expertise). The trio set out to reimagine Napoleon’s story for the screen 00:01:26.

Recap and Structure So Far

James Topham recaps their progress, summarizing the story up to scene 20—the film’s midpoint. He details five key scenes depicting Napoleon’s transition from general to budding ruler and the dynamic with Josephine 00:03:14.

Dramatic and Character Developments

The team walk through significant scenes involving military victories, shifting romantic dynamics (including Napoleon’s changing feelings for Josephine), negotiations, and turning points, such as Josephine’s infidelity and the metaphorical “unripe pear” scene 00:04:34.

Debate over Historical Events and Narrative Choices

There’s an in-depth discussion about the authenticity and dramatic effectiveness of sending Napoleon to England vs. Egypt, with concerns about narrative payoff and dramatic logic for audiences 00:12:22.

Motivations Behind the Egyptian Campaign

Alex Stevenson provides historical context for Napoleon’s Egyptian adventure, discussing the Directory’s motives, the project’s ties to myth-making, prestige, and the origins of Egyptology (including the Rosetta Stone) 00:16:16.

Identifying the "Bad Guys Close In" Phase

The team frame the next segment of their narrative as the “bad guys close in” phase, per Blake Snyder’s structure. This act will feature setbacks for Napoleon, the Directory as antagonists, and cracks forming within Napoleon’s “gang” 00:22:02.

Setbacks in Egypt and Antagonist Dynamics

A list of major setbacks is outlined: confirmed betrayal by Josephine, isolation after Nelson destroys the French fleet, Ottoman intervention orchestrated by the Directory, and discussions on how to visually and narratively stack these blows for dramatic effect 00:27:32.

Reintegrating and Redefining the "Gang"

They debate how to portray dissension among Napoleon’s loyalists. 00:43:22.

Looking Ahead: Approaching the Low Point

The episode closes with a preview of the next section: Napoleon’s imminent “all is lost” moment, a stretch defined as the dark night of the soul, where all seems lost before act three begins. 00:51:07.

Our recap episodes, which offer a synthesis of our 1792-1804 coverage one year at a time, have reached 1797 - a year in which Napoleon Bonaparte continues to confound western Europe amidst the continuing churning turmoil of French revolutionary politics. Chris Sloan talks presenter Alex Stevenson through specific key clips he's picked out from our old episodes grouped around four themes which, we argue, help frame the period and shape our understanding of it in a whole new way. We hope this will provide a helpful refresh for longstanding listeners - whilst at the same time offering an 'entry ramp' to the podcast for those who want to get up to speed relatively easily before we crash full-speed into the intensity of the Napoleonic Wars.

This episode covers an extraordinary 12 months, in which the young Bonaparte helps wrap up victory against the Austrians before continuing his victories on the green felt battlefields of the negotiating table. He's getting a taste for power - but what will the Directory back home make of this? The politics of Paris have moved on to a mounting crisis in which a swing to the right prompts a coup by those in power, crucially backed by the army. Meanwhile there are seismic changes in north Italy, with the end of the 1,000-year republic of Venice and a humiliation for the Pope. And there are two massive victories for the British at sea, against the Spanish at Cape St Vincent and the Dutch at Camperdown... Another staggering year.

Help us produce more episodes by supporting the Napoleonic Quarterly on Patreon: patreon.com/napoleonicquarterly

In the fourth 15-minute section of our movie screenplay we move towards the midpoint, the critical moment where accumulating consequences for our hero Napoleon Bonaparte make him realise his military successes represent a false hope. He's going to have to rethink - and we need to set out in this section of the film why that's the case.

In episode four of our screenwriting escapade we continue to forge ahead in our mission of crafting a top-notch screenplay treatment about the life of Napoleon Bonaparte. Alex Stevenson is joined by James Topham (who knows a thing or two about screenwriting) and Ben Deery (who knows a thing or two about acting) to put the movie world to rights. Having analysed the pitfalls and frustrations of Ridley Scott's Napoleon 2023 in the first season the Napoleon Movie Quarter-Hourly, this time round the team have to come up with the magic themselves.

As our resident bot NAIpoleon Bot-aparte puts it:

Introduction and Project Title Discussion

Alex Stevenson reflects on the complexities of both the project's title and their ongoing efforts to tackle the Napoleon movie's midpoint (00:00:09).

Screenwriting Structure and the "Midpoint"

James Topham explains the significance of the midpoint in screenwriting, emphasizing the protagonist’s realization that their initial insight was a false hope, necessitating a new approach (00:02:16).

Napoleon’s Myth and Power

Ben and Alex Stevenson discuss how Napoleon leaned into myth-making for power, and debate when in his real-life story this strategy likely fails or must be re-evaluated (00:03:47).

Limits of Power and Frustration

Alex Stevenson suggests that Napoleon’s frustration comes from being undermined by political rivals (the Directory, especially Barras), despite his military successes (00:04:37).

Internal vs. External Conflict

James Topham highlights the internal conflict between Napoleon’s public myth and his private insecurities, amplified by his relationship with Josephine (00:05:39).

Humorous Interlude: The Pug Incident

The hosts share an anecdote from a Napoleon biography about Josephine’s pug being killed, debating its potential inclusion in the screenplay for dramatic or comedic effect (00:08:47).

Montage of Military Success and Growing Ambition

A recap of part of the screenplay treatment: Napoleon’s rapid victories in Italy, the spread of his legend, and his increasing enjoyment of administrative power (00:10:25).

Love Triangle and Character Complexity

The group discusses Josephine’s ambiguous love life, including her affair with Lieutenant Charles. They recognize its importance for the evolving love triangle and consider how this complexity impacts Napoleon’s character and the script (00:21:06).

The Real Midpoint: Power Struggles and Setbacks

Alex Stevenson proposes that the midpoint pivots on Napoleon’s frustration with being constrained by the Directory, underscored by a potential “resignation scene” where he realizes his myth is not sufficient for true power (00:27:03).

Foreshadowing Future Conflict and Direction

The episode ends with the group teasing Napoleon’s next move, possibly the Egyptian campaign, and reiterating the need to heighten personal and political conflict—while ending on a comedic note debating pears and apples (00:39:23).