‘Napoleon’: Ridley Scott’s historical epic is a compelling human drama
The very last words of Napoleon Bonaparte were “France, the army, head of the army, Joséphine”. This summation of his life devotion also encapsulates English filmmaker Ridley Scott’s newly released historical drama “Napoleon”, starring Joaquin Phoenix in the titular role.
The film spans some 158 minutes – and each one of them is worth it.
Scott, the man behind some of cinema’s biggest blockbusters such as “Alien”, “Gladiator” and “Blade Runner”, conjures up yet another epic cinematic experience, this time focusing on the rise and fall of the famed French Revolution commander turned emperor.
Considered one of the best military minds in history, Napoleon led a rich, dramatic, and short life. He played an instrumental role in the French Revolution and commandeered victorious battles – only to die in exile at age 51.
Scott brings all of this to the screen, but his focus is on the eponymous character himself. And to that end, Scott masterfully weaves a layered love story: Napoleon’s love of France, and his love for his wife Joséphine.
Viewers get to see the public Napoleon, strategic and ruthless, as well as the private Napoleon, a broken and childish man obsessed with his spouse. These paint a very real and revelatory picture of the historical figure.
Interestingly, Scott and writer David Scarpa were informed by the letters Napoleon wrote to Joséphine during his battles: correspondences that reveal a very troubled, impulsive man, and also a troubled marriage. These writings play a big role here as the narration for some scenes.
Despite its runtime, “Napoleon” moves at a steady pace, cleverly lingering at pivotal points and taking a cursory approach to others. The battle sequences are particularly colossal and distressing, but would one truly expect anything less from Scott?
Phoenix, of course, brings all of his acting prowess that grounds and humanises this larger-than-life person. You don’t see a warmonger or a tyrant or a despot; you see a man whose ambitions and jealousy drive him to do great things.
To label Phoenix’s acting as “good” would be a great disservice. The “Joker” actor always brings a degree of danger, unpredictability and humour to his roles. Consequently, as audiences, we are left to wonder (perhaps with a sense of dread) what a stare or chuckle means.
Meanwhile, as empress Joséphine Bonaparte, Vanessa Kirby presents a haunting performance with a gravitas that matches Phoenix’s powerhouse performance.
As the object of Napoleon’s warped and obstinate love, she imbues the character with something beautifully tragic. Subtlety becomes her, and Kirby will leave you breathless.
The power dynamic between them is explosive, to say the least.
Once more, Scott showcases his artistry in the way he brilliantly sets up certain set pieces that are reminiscent of 18th-century French artwork, especially when he freezes on a frame long enough to seemingly recreate famous paintings of the commander.
The scene that seemingly emulates “The Coronation of Napoleon” by artist Jacques-Louis David is one such example. Stunning.
Overall, Scott’s “Napoleon” is a captivating story that reveals the ambition, love, and complex nature of one of history’s most enigmatic figures. Get yourself to the cinema, tout de suite!
As of press time, ‘Napoleon’ is screening in cinemas nationwide.
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