Napoleon by Ridley Scott: In the long-awaited return of Ridley Scott to the big screen with “Napoleon,” anticipation soared within French social circles upon the release of the trailer. Despite historical inaccuracies, the prospect of the 85-year-old English filmmaker tackling such a monumental subject stirred excitement. The choice of an Englishman helming this blockbuster interpretation of Napoleon’s influence heightened expectations. Foreign perspectives on French history often lead to captivating exchanges, fostering intriguing conversations. While Hollywood and other filmmakers have delved into French history, the success of such endeavors varies. Ridley Scott’s “Napoleon,” unfortunately, falls into the category of industrial disaster rather than triumph.
Attending one of the initial screenings in a Left Bank arthouse cinema, my expectations were high. However, the film’s reception mirrored my disappointment. The 158-minute viewing experience prompted a cascade of emotions, from sadness at the colossal missed opportunity to excruciating pain from inept dialogue and bewilderment at the lack of historical accuracy. Ridley Scott’s “Napoleon proved a tedious journey, with battles scenes inducing sleepiness and a script lacking any semblance of a storyline. Gratitude only emerged when the film concluded, sparing the audience from additional romps with Josephine.
The film’s failure can be attributed to Scott’s prioritization of visuals over narrative. While costumes and makeup may contribute to aesthetics, a great film requires a director with vision and insight. Stanley Kubrick, who dedicated a room to his lifelong pursuit of a Napoleon film, understood the complexities of the historical figure. Scott’s ignorance of critical facts, such as Napoleon’s understanding of the Russian winter and the outbreak of typhus during his campaigns, diminishes the film’s credibility.
Moreover, Scott fails to recognize the duality of Napoleonthe revolutionary hero and the weary authoritarian ruler. The film’s historical deficiency lies in its neglect of politics, reducing Napoleon’s tactics on the battlefield to a reflection of his sex life. With a budget of around $200 million, Scott had the resources to create a more nuanced portrayal. Instead, he cast Joaquin Phoenix, aged 49 and looking worn-out, as a 24-year-old officer with only two moodsbrutal and grotesque. Vanessa Kirby’s portrayal of Josephine stands as the lone redeeming feature, offering glimpses of plausibility and charm amidst the banality of the script.
In conclusion, Ridley Scott Napoleon stands as a cinematic failure, but one can only hope that another filmmaker will seize the opportunity for a triumphant exploration of this historic figure. On to the next!
Also read: Napoleon Review: Ridley Scott’s Ambitious Epic Unveils Grandeur Amid Emotional Shadows
Our Reader’s Queries
Where will Napoleon be streaming?
Napoleon will soon be available for streaming on Apple TV+, but until then, you can catch the film on digital platforms and PVOD starting January 9, 2024. For a small fee, you can watch it online on BookMyShow, Google Movies, and YouTube Movies.
Is Napoleon going to be on Netflix?
20th Century Studios’ movies will be available on Hulu or Disney+ after they finish their theater run in 2024. Can I watch the movie Napoleon on Netflix, Crunchyroll, Hulu, or Amazon Prime? As of now, Napoleon is not on Netflix.
Is Napoleon movie accurate?
Ridley Scott’s film Napoleon, featuring Joaquin Phoenix, portrays the key moments in the life of the French emperor. However, not all events are portrayed with complete accuracy.
Is Napoleon worth watching?
There’s no denying some doubts about this movie, but it’s impossible not to be wowed. Scott has delivered a grand, imperfect masterpiece, with the main actor fully embodying the character like a pilot in control.