Movie Review: Napoleon

Director Ridley Scott’s latest film, Napoleon, starring Joaquin Phoenix, is the latest in a line of historical epics that aim to shed light on an often-misunderstood figure and offer additional insight as to that character’s internal motivations and drives. Frequently (and mistakenly) associated with needing to prove his worth beyond his diminutive demeanor, Napoleon Bonaparte is instead portrayed as a patriot eager to serve his country and looking to find the true love of his life. This approach makes for a far more sweeping tale of tragedy and romance than has been attempted before with regards to this story.

The film relates the tale of the French Emperor Napoleon Bonaparte, tracing his ascent to power following the French Revolution as well as his often-unstable relationship with Josephine. In addition to showing Napoleon’s rise to the throne of France, the film also focuses on his military tactics allowing for a showcase of spectacular battle sequences.

As a filmmaker, director Ridley Scott has often approached his films with the palette of a visual artist more than a narrative one. Napoleon is no exception to that rule. What the film lacks in other elements, it more than makes up for with the depth of its breathtaking visuals and awe-inspiring battle scenes. Working from a script by David Scarpa, Scott delivers an epic story that easily stands alongside his best work. The film combines action, drama, and historical narrative in such a satisfying manner that the nearly three-hour running time never seems to be much of a factor.

As Napoleon himself, Joaquin Phoenix is superlative, complete with an unsteady yet consistently certain bravado that carries him throughout the film. Vanessa Kirby also holds her own as Josephine against Phoenix’s tour-de-force performance.

Joaquin Phoenix in “Napoleon.”

All elements of the film, including production design (Arthur Max), art direction (Claudio Campana and Charlo Dalli), set decoration (Elli Griff), and costume design (David Crossman and Janty Yates) are executed well and captured brilliantly by cinematographer Dariusz Wolski.

While Napoleon may not reach the upper echelon of director Scott’s best work, it is one of his most artistic films in years and a triumphant performance from Joaquin Phoenix as the titular character only adds to the film’s aesthetic approach to telling this historically accurate love story in such a unique and thoughtful way.

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Mike Tyrkus

Editor in Chief at CinemaNerdz.com

An independent filmmaker, co-writer and director of over a dozen short films, the Editor in Chief of CinemaNerdz.com has spent much of the last three decades as a writer and editor specializing in biographical and critical reference sources in literature and the cinema, beginning in February 1991 reviewing films for his college newspaper. He was a member of the Detroit Film Critics Society, as well as the group's webmaster and one-time President for over a decade until the group ceased to exist. His contributions to film criticism can be found in Magill's Cinema Annual, VideoHound's Golden Movie Retriever (of which he was the editor for nearly a decade until it too ceased to exist), the International Dictionary of Films and Filmmakers, and the St. James Film Directors Encyclopedia (on which he collaborated with editor Andrew Sarris). He has also appeared on the television program Critic LEE Speaking alongside Lee Thomas of FOX2 and Adam Graham, of The Detroit News. He currently lives in the Detroit area with his wife and their dogs.

@miketyrkus

Mike Tyrkus

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