There are “supporting roles” who make as much – or even more – impact than the first ones. Josephine in Napoleon by Ridley Scott fits this description perfectly. The vibrant performance of Vanessa Kirbyknown for the series The Crown And Pieces of a Womanis so popular as she passionately embodies the role of the one who was the great love of the emperor, played by Joaquin Phoenix.
“It took me the entire shoot to apprehend this woman who was a real chameleon,” explains the British actress to 20 minutes. She adapted to all situations, and it is, in my opinion, this ability that allowed her to survive. » Crowned by the emperor himself, Josephine de Beauharnais seems to have had a tumultuous relationship with the latter. At least that’s what emerges from the film.
Enigmatic and fascinating
“Their relationship was strange, and we had to admit that we were incapable of really understanding it,” insists Vanessa Kirby. They were very different but could not do without each other. » This toxic affair brings real originality to the film which describes her in her passionate or conflicting moments, letting the actress compose a strong female figure, complex and fragile at the same time, very endearing.
The Josephine that Vanessa Kirby brings to life goes from glory to despair with remarkable dignity. She steals the show from Joaquin Phoenix with great naturalness as soon as they are face to face. “I believe that it was Joséphine’s enigmatic side that made Napoleon fascinated by her,” explains the actress. His impeccable interpretation has the same effect on the spectator, charmed by his performance.