Film Review #032 - Napoleon (2023)

Napoleon (2023), directed by the talented Ridley Scott and featuring Joaquin Phoenix, is a film that captivated me for various reasons. Watching it at my local theater, the experience was enriching, especially due to the film's historical depth and cinematic artistry. Acting: Joaquin Phoenix's portrayal of Napoleon was a standout element. His ability to embody the cold-blooded, aggressive nature of the historical figure was impressive, and the nuances he brought to the character, especially in scenes with his wife Josephine, added a playful yet profound layer to the narrative. Cinematography and Visuals: The film's cinematography was remarkable, employing a range of shots from steady medium to full and sometimes dynamic shaky camera techniques. These types of scenes made the movie more intense, especially during the fight scenes which were even more intriguing to watch. However, I noticed that there were moments where the color palette seemed inconsistent, slightly detracting from the visual continuity and it happened more than once. Battle Scenes and Authenticity: The winter battle scene, showcasing vast French army troops, was a highlight moment. The scenes felt very real, and it was interesting to think about how they filmed underwater shots. Moreover, the war battles felt very genuine. Watching this movie, I didn't feel like there were the typical CGI shots and moments used because it looked very authentic. Music and Sound Design: Musically, the film embraced an ancient tone, with piano pieces, operatic segments, and epic orchestral sounds that enhanced the historical setting. The incorporation of this particular musical composition enhanced the film's authenticity and emotional resonance. Cultural Depictions: The film successfully depicted various traditions of the French era, such as puppet theater, restaurant scenes, and masked parties. These cultural elements provided a deeper understanding of the time period and enriched the overall narrative. Character Dynamics and Drama: The drama between Napoleon and Josephine was a crucial aspect of the film. It provided an intimate look into Napoleon's personal life, juxtaposing his public persona with private vulnerabilities. This dynamic added a compelling layer to the narrative, making the characters more relatable and multifaceted. Historical Accuracy and Production Design: Attention to historical detail was evident in the costumes and locations, which were meticulously chosen to reflect the era accurately. However, the biggest criticism was the historical inaccuracy of the events and actions of Napoleon, e.g., he did not attack the Egyptian pyramids, which I later found out about those facts. Storytelling and Pace: While the story was engaging, the pace was too fast and the story left me desiring more. The narrative and film length, though interesting and thought-provoking, felt like it could have been expanded more to explore deeper and other aspects of Napoleon's life and era. Overall, "Napoleon" is a film that I enjoyed, primarily due to Ridley Scott's direction and talented Joaquin Phoenix's performance. It's a movie that might not cater to everyone's tastes, especially given its historical genre and graphic depictions of war. However, for those interested in historical dramas and character studies, you can consider watching it.

Rating: 7/10