Director Ridley Scott and actor Joaquin Phoenix reunite for the first time since their work in the iconic 2000 film Gladiator. Twenty-three years later, they are back with another historical epic, Napoleon. Phoenix portrays Napoleon Bonaparte, Emperor of the French, during his rise to power and his tumultuous relationship with Joséphine (Vanessa Kirby). Scott’s grand cinematic spectacle demands the colossal canvas of the big screen. Although this movie has a few issues with its pacing and screenplay, and it’s far from Scott or Phoenix’s best work, Napoleon leaves a lasting impression.
The film plunges viewers into a brutal and bloody depiction of historical warfare, vividly capturing a horrifying chapter in history. No director paints an atmosphere quite like Scott, who has made incredible films like Alien, Blade Runner, and The Last Duel. He knows how to immerse audiences in the intricacies of the era through stunning cinematography that captures the essence of the period. He works with his longtime collaborator Dariusz Wolski to paint gorgeous settings that could hang on the walls of a museum. His eye for spectacle is a perfect match for this story that lends itself to unforgettable sequences of scope.
Scott does not refrain from depicting the merciless violence under Napoleon’s rule. With his steady hand behind the camera, he showcases blood, pain, and death at every turn. Millions died under the rule of Napoleon Bonaparte, and Scott graphically portrays the bloodshed during his battles. The battle sequences are a highlight in this film. They are a wonder to behold, leaving you gripping your seat. Although a few of them can end up feeling self-indulgent in their length, Scott proves himself once again as a master at creating riveting set pieces that stand out amongst other modern films.
However, one of the most prominent elements of Napoleon is the relationship between him and Joséphine. The film depicts how their intense love life was always in the spotlight, the same way that many public figures find their romantic relationships all over the tabloids today. It feels surprisingly relevant, especially as their relationship began to enter infidelity and an unspeakable passion. They find themselves drawn to each other at every turn, but with Napoleon’s obsessive control and both of their unfaithful natures, each event finds them under the scrutiny of the public eye.
The depiction of Napoleon is fascinating. Writer David Scarpa shows his dedication to his country and what he is willing to do for it. It also showcases his strategic mindset during war and how he manages to be two distinct people. We see who he is on the battlefield, and we see who he is at home with his wife. They can overlap at times, but Scarpa writes an intricate, nuanced portrayal of the character that can make you both respect him and despise him. However, there are a few issues as well. The dialogue occasionally veers into unintentional hilarity and overdramatization, diluting the seriousness of pivotal moments.
Furthermore, a few of the sex scenes feel awkward and passionless. It can be challenging to determine how much of this is intentional from Scott. After all, the marriage between Napoleon and Joséphine is a whirlwind of emotions, as these two could love and hate each other in an instant. However, if laughter and disgust are the emotions that your audience feels during moments that appear to be scripted as serious, that can be an issue. Unfortunately, the movie can also be inconsistent in its pacing. Parts of the movie offer some of the most epic, powerful filmmaking of the year, while other parts drag and don’t compare with how excellent other sections of the film are.
Phoenix’s performance as Napoleon is excellent. Although this is not one of the strongest performances in his illustrious career, he once again manages to vanish in character, even if his self-serious interpretation of the dialogue can be a detriment. The standout in this film is Kirby as Joséphine, who adds an alluring nature that cannot be understated. Everyone else in this movie, from the supporting cast to the stunt team, shines through with their commitment to the material. The production design deserves its due credit as well for submerging you in the 1700s and 1800s, grabbing your attention with ease.
Overall, Napoleon is another example of Scott’s shining work as a director. It’s rough around the edges, but it works as a whole. This movie is monumental, gorgeously shot with brutality and a fierce nature that pulls you into the experience. It’s an exciting film that feels like the type of movie Hollywood rarely makes anymore. However, with cinematic legend Ridley Scott behind the wheel and his unmistakable eye for visuals, you’re going into this film knowing that it’s an unforgettable cinematic experience, even if it doesn’t shine as bright as Phoenix and Scott’s previous collaboration.
SCORE: 7/10
As ComingSoon’s review policy explains, a score of 7 equates to “Good.” A successful piece of entertainment that is worth checking out, but it may not appeal to everyone.
Disclosure: ComingSoon attended a press screening for our Napoleon review.
