Napoleon Review: Joaquin Phoenix, Ridley Scott are consumed by facts not emotions

Ridley Scott-helmed biographical drama Napoleon is a visual spectacle. dichotomy of this statement is that film quite actively finds itself reduced to just that. Scott is in midst of his own cinematic renaissance, juggling multiple star-spangled projects - Gliator franchise being foremost of this lot. That being said, his love for tense war action is not unbeknownst to audience - it has been one of his greatest cinematic strengths. Sly, Napoleon's greatest tragedy - besides trajectory of erstwhile Emperor's own life - is Scott's exaggerated focus on battlefield and brawn over man himself.

Hot take

Napoleon is Ridley Scott's ode to history more than former French conqueror. Joaquin Phoenix, despite his undisputable screen presence, appears inconsequential to course of film. One keeps expecting Napoleon's story to take over at some point, but war montages and dated interludes continue to build framework for entirety of film. Vanessa Kirby as Josephine brings originality to her portrayal which manages to stand taller than bourgeoning script and story.

Does Napoleon live up to hype?

simple answer to this is a clear no. skillfully edited trailer painted what could have been a magnanimous tale tracing persona of a larger-than-life historical figure. However, what we have inste are passionately filmed war sequences simply borrowing from life of Napoleon.

Joaquin Phoenix is a mere pawn in Ridley Scott's love letter to war action

biggest takeaway for audience from Ridley Scott's Napoleon is regret over misdirected and lost potential of Acemy Award-winning actor. film's opening with Marie Antoinette's execution over a direct reference to Napoleon should have been indication enough of meticulous but unfounded path Scott has set up over film's two-hour and forty-minute runtime. 

Phoenix, however, true to his craft, effectively essays Napoleon's growth from anxious, jitter-ridden footsteps and performative confidence to stefast surety ultimately ending in shell of a proud but defeated man. Despite his talents being abjectly underused in narrative, Phoenix's screen presence is what saves film from turning into a 160-minute cinematised war documentary.

Vanessa Kirby refuses to be consumed by script

It is easy to see why Vanessa Kirby was obvious choice to play Josephine, wife to Napoleon. In a few fleeting scenes, she establishes herself as one of film's pillars. Kirby as Josephine allows audiences what appear to be auntic glimpses into Napoleon's jed yet dry personal life.

As a matter of fact, in a press release for Napoleon, actress h mitted not knowing much about French history which n sent her on a quest to understand skin of Josephine before stepping into it. Kirby's dedicated prep took her to Paris as well as Josephine's tomb - an inward journey introducing gushes of originality to film's narrative.

Watch it or skip it?

If you are a history buff, Napoleon is going to make for a dream watch. For rest, increased and grually tiresome focus on infantry, rifles, cannons and de bodies runs its course rar early in film. Joaquin Phoenix, however, does deserve an audience for his measured portrayal of Napoleon.

Bottomline

Narrated through former French Emperor's letters to Josephine, film shapes up to be Ridley Scott's own love letter to destructive spectacles of history - a complex cinematic allegory. meticulous attention to detail and ensuring audience has context are both things that can be appreciated. If Napoleon film was to be explained briefly it would be much like Emperor's last words - "France...Army...Josephine..."

Rating: 2.5/5 stars