S2 – Special – What do historians actually do – A reply to Ridley Scott

In this special report, Gary and Spencer delve into the recent comments made by acclaimed filmmaker Ridley Scott concerning historians, historical accuracy, and his latest film, "Napoleon." Scott's candid remark, "Excuse me, mate, were you there? No? Well, shut the f*** up then," has sparked a conversation about the filmmaker's perspective on historical criticism. Scott dismisses historical critiques of "Napoleon" by urging detractors to "get a life." The podcast not only dissects Scott's response but also initiates a broader exploration into the realm of historical methodology. From Ridley Scott's outspoken stance, the discussion extends to the fundamental role of historians, their use of evidence, the pitfalls of misinterpretation, and the distinctions between amateur and scholarly historical perspectives. Join us as we navigate through the intriguing intersection of filmmaking, historical accuracy, and the intricate art of historical analysis.